Water ejecting apparatus

ABSTRACT

A water ejecting apparatus includes a case and a water ejection unit coupled to one side of the case. The water ejection unit includes a first lifting cover connected to the case and allowing a lifting gear to be fixed thereto, a second lifting cover movably accommodated inside the first lifting cover, a lifting motor coupled to the second lifting cover and configured to interwork with the lifting motor, and a water ejection nozzle installed at a lower end of the second lifting cover and configured to allow water to be ejected therethrough. The lifting gear has gear teeth is provided on one side thereof in an up-down direction and at least one reinforcing hole or reinforcing recess provided on the other side thereof.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims a benefit under 35 U.S.C. § 119(a) of KoreanPatent Application No. 10-2019-0080351 filed on Jul. 3, 2019, thedisclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a water ejecting apparatus applicableto a water purifier and a vending machine for drinking water.

BACKGROUND

In general, water purifiers are devices that filter water and supplypurified water without impurities. The water purifiers are widely usedin household appliances or industries. In particular, the waterpurifiers may be provided as household water purifiers to providepurified water to users for consumption.

The water purifier includes a water purifier body that mounts a filterand a water ejecting part that provides filtered water from the waterpurifier body. In general, the water ejecting part is fixedly disposedon a front surface of the water purifier body. A user may place acontainer under the water ejecting part so that the water ejecting partcan dispense water into the container. The fixed position of the waterejecting part limits the placement of a container for dispensing waterfrom the water ejecting part, thereby leaving inconvenience in using thewater purifier.

Some water purifiers include a water ejecting part that is provided onone side of a main body. The water ejecting part is coupled to the mainbody when rotated at a predetermined angle from the main body. Inparticular, the water ejecting part is separated from the main body bythe user, rotated by a set angle, and coupled again with the main body.This way, a user may change the position of the water ejecting partrelative to the main body. However, the user needs to disassemble andreassemble the water ejecting part in these water purifiers, therebycausing user inconvenience. In addition, components may be lost anddamaged during the disassembling and reassembling. Further, since thewater ejecting part connects with a water ejection pipe for dischargingpurified water, water leakage may result from the disassembling andreassembling. Moreover, since the water ejecting part is rotated andfixed only at a predetermined angle, the position of the water ejectingpart is limited. In particular, the water ejecting part may only move ina horizontal direction, and cannot move in a vertical direction.Therefore, it does not meet the needs of the user to place a containerin various locations for water dispensing.

Home appliances have been developed to be used with various containersfor high water temperature. Although consumers' demands on hot watertemperatures and convenience of water ejection from water purifierproducts have increased and recognized as important factors in productselection, the products in the market have not met such expectation.

Various technologies have been developed and applied to improve ease ofuse of the water purifiers. However, such technologies have notsatisfied consumers' demands. For example, there remain severalproblems, such as the risk of hot water in the water purifiers, and thecontamination of a water ejection nozzle resulting from water splashes.In particular, some water purifiers provide a water ejection nozzle fordispensing purified water, hot water, or cold water from such a heightthat water splashes when the dispensed water drops and comes intocontact with a cup below the water election nozzle.

In addition, some water purifiers may have a risk of burns resultingfrom splashes of hot water being dispensed. Further, the surroundings ofthe water purifiers may be contaminated when water splashes. Inaddition, some water purifiers provide a limited position of the waterejecting part.

Accordingly, it is necessary to develop a water purifier that provides ahygienic environment to consumers, while improving the convenience ofthe water purifier.

In some water purifiers, when a driving motor and a driving gear rotate,a cock moving gear rotates, a detachable gear part ascends, and a cockpart coupled to the detachable gear part ascends to adjust a height. Inaddition, such water purifiers include a rotation limiting unit providedon the cock body so that the detachable gear rotates only within acertain range. Further, the rotation limiting unit includes a supportspring, a fixed hook, and a rotation limiting recess, and the fixed hookis fitted into the rotation limiting recess so that the fixed hook andthe detachable gear rotate only within a certain range. While thesewater purifiers may permit a water ejection nozzle to operate up anddown, it is impossible to detect the presence of a container placedunder the water ejection nozzle and a height of the container. Also, thewater purifiers do not provide techniques for automatically elevatingthe water ejection nozzle or techniques for detecting the height of thewater receiving container placed below the water ejection nozzle,lowering the water ejection nozzle to the corresponding height of thecontainer, and subsequently ejecting water.

In addition, some water purifiers do not provide a space that issufficient for deformation of a water ejection pipe according tovertical movement of the water ejection nozzle in a small interior of awater ejection unit of the water purifier.

Further, some water purifiers can dispense water when a user manuallyposition a water ejection nozzle at a predetermined height, therebycomplicating the water ejecting process.

In addition, some water purifiers include two water ejection nozzles,each of which is operated based on the rotational directions of a motor(CW: left, CCW: right). It is thus difficult to detect a height of acup. Further, after one of the water ejection nozzles is fixed, it isdifficult to immediately handle water ejection from the other waterejection nozzle.

SUMMARY

An aspect of the present disclosure relates to a water ejectingapparatus in which a water ejection nozzle for ejecting water isautomatically moved up and down according to driving of a lifting motor.

Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to a water ejectingapparatus which is provided to be rotatable and movable not only in avertical direction but also in a horizontal direction, therebyincreasing user convenience.

Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to a water ejectingapparatus that includes a water ejecting part which can be automaticallylifted and manually rotated in a horizontal direction.

Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to a water ejectingapparatus that permits various pipes for water ejection to easilyarrange in a water ejection unit, and reduces or minimizes movement ofpipes disposed in a case, when the water ejection unit performs rotationand elevating operation, so that deformation of the pipes are reduced orminimized.

Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to a water ejectingapparatus that is capable of more sensitively detecting height and widthof various containers placed below a water ejection nozzle.

Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to a water ejectingapparatus that is capable of detecting a height of a light-weightcontainer (e.g., a paper cup and a disposable cup) that is placed belowa water ejection nozzle, by minimizing a load that is applied againstthe container when the water ejecting apparatus contacts with thecontainer to measure the height of the container.

Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to a water ejectingapparatus that is capable of detecting a height of a water receivingcontainer having any size disposed between a water ejection nozzle and afront surface of a case.

Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to a water ejectingapparatus that is capable of adjusting a reaction speed of a touch barfor detecting a water receiving container.

Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to a water ejectingapparatus that provides parts having increased or improved strength forascending and descending of a water ejection nozzle.

Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to a water ejectingapparatus that prevents shaking or vibration during an elevatingoperation of a water ejection nozzle.

Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to a water ejectingapparatus that reduces a water splash phenomenon that may result from ahydraulic head based on a distance between a water ejection nozzle and awater receiving container. For example, the water ejecting apparatus ofthe present disclosure can reduce a water splash by adjusting a heightof the water ejection nozzle. In addition, the water ejecting apparatuscan reduce or eliminate contamination of the water ejection nozzle,thereby improving hygiene.

Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to a water ejectingapparatus that improves safety by preventing burns that may result fromwater splashing during hot water ejection.

Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to a water ejectingapparatus that is capable of detecting containers having various sizesof inlets and containers of various heights.

Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to a water ejectingapparatus that is capable of identifying an elevating operation state ofa water ejection nozzle even if the operation of the water ejectingapparatus is intervened, such as by a user's accidental or unconsciousinterference with the apparatus.

Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to a water ejectingapparatus that can dispense water after a water ejection nozzle descendsnear a water receiving container, which can be determined using areduced number of sensors.

Additional advantages and features of the present disclosure will be setforth in part in the description which follows and in part will becomeapparent to those having ordinary skill in the art upon examination ofthe following or may be learned from practice of the present disclosure.The objectives and other advantages of the present disclosure may berealized and attained by the structure particularly pointed out in thewritten description and claims hereof as well as the appended drawings.

To achieve these and other advantages and in accordance with the purposeof the invention, as embodied and broadly described herein, particularembodiments described herein include a liquid ejecting apparatus thatincludes a case and a liquid ejector at least partially protruding fromthe case. The liquid ejector includes a first lifting cover, a liftinggear, a second lifting cover, a lifting motor, and a liquid ejectionnozzle. The first lifting cover is connected to the case. The liftinggear may be fixed to the first lifting cover. The second lifting covermay be received in the first lifting cover. The lifting motor may becoupled to the second lifting cover and engaged with a gear assembly.The liquid ejection nozzle may be disposed at an end of the secondlifting cover and configured to eject liquid. The lifting gear may havea first side and a second side opposite to the first side, and includes(i) gear teeth on the first side and (ii) at least one reinforcing holeor at least one reinforcing recess on the second side.

In some implementations, the apparatus can optionally include one ormore of the following features. The first lifting cover may include aplate that mounts the lifting gear. The plate has a first surface and asecond surface opposite to the first surface. The at least onereinforcing hole may be disposed on the first surface of the plate. Theat least one reinforcing recess may be recessed in a direction from thefirst surface to the second surface. The at least one reinforcing holemay include a plurality of reinforcing holes. The at least onereinforcing recess may include a plurality of reinforcing recesses. Theplurality of reinforcing holes or the plurality of reinforcing recessesmay be spaced apart in a direction along which the second lifting covermoves. The at least one reinforcing hole may include a plurality ofreinforcing holes. The at least one reinforcing recess may include aplurality of reinforcing recesses. The plurality of reinforcing holes orthe plurality of reinforcing recesses may be arranged at the sameinterval as an interval between the gear teeth of the lifting gear. Acenter of each of the at least one reinforcing hole or the at least onereinforcing recess may be aligned with a highest gear ridge of thelifting gear. The lifting gear may include a flat reinforcing plate thatis disposed on the first side of the lifting gear and that is thinnerthan the gear teeth. The gear assembly may include a gear bracketcoupled to the second lifting cover, and a gear rotatably disposed inthe gear bracket and engaged with the lifting gear. The gear may beconfigured to rotate along the lifting gear such that the second liftingcover moves in a first direction with respect to the first lifting coverbased on operation of the lifting motor. The first lifting cover mayinclude a guide rail spaced apart from the lifting gear and extending inthe first direction. The guide rail may include a plurality of seatingrecesses that are spaced apart in the first direction. The gear bracketmay include a guide rail protrusion configured to contact the guide railand be inserted into the plurality of seating recesses as the gearbracket moves in the first direction. The first lifting cover mayinclude a liquid ejection opening defined between the lifting gear andthe guide rail, and a liquid ejection pipe extending from an interior ofthe case through the liquid ejection opening and connected to the liquidejection nozzle. The plurality of seating recesses may include a firstseating recess and a second seating recess spaced apart from the firstseating recess in the first direction. The second lifting cover may beconfigured to move in the first direction until the guide railprotrusion is inserted into the first seating recess and move in asecond direction opposite to the first direction until the guide railprotrusion is inserted into the second seating recess. The lifting motormay include a motor shaft and a motor gear engaged with the motor shaft.The gear assembly may include a first gear engaged with the motor gear,a second gear coaxially disposed with the first gear, a third gearengaged with the second gear, and a fourth gear coaxially disposed withthe third gear and engaged with the lifting gear. Rotating shafts of thefirst gear, the second gear, the third gear, and the fourth gear may belocated above the motor shaft of the motor in the first direction. Thefirst lifting cover may have a first side and a second side opposite tothe first side with respect to the motor shaft of the motor. The liftinggear may be fixed to the first side of the first lifting cover. Rotatingshafts of the first gear, the second gear, the third gear, and thefourth gear may be located at the first side. Rotating shafts of thethird gear and the fourth gear may be arranged to in a staggered mannerwith respect to rotating shafts of the first gear and the second gear.Rotating shafts of the third gear and the fourth gear may be arrangedabove rotating shafts of the first gear and the second gear in the firstdirection. Each of the first lifting cover and the second lifting covermay have a convex shape extending away from the case. The lifting motormay be disposed in the second lifting cover further away from the casethan the first, second, third, and fourth gears, and the first, second,third, and fourth gears may be arranged closer to the case than thelifting motor. The case may include a top cover that forms an uppersurface of the case. The liquid ejector may include a liquid ejectiontop cover extending from the top cover of the case and configured tocover the first lifting cover. The liquid ejector may include an inputdevice disposed at the liquid ejection top cover and configured toreceive a command. The input device may include a lifting input control.The liquid ejecting apparatus may include a controller configured tooperate the lifting motor to move the liquid ejection nozzle based on aninput through the lifting input control.

To achieve these and other advantages and in accordance with the purposeof the present disclosure, as embodied and broadly described herein,there is provided a water ejecting apparatus including a case and awater ejection unit coupled to one side of the case. The water ejectingpart may include a lifting cover that performs an elevating operationwith respect to the case. The water ejection unit may include a fixedcover coupled to the case, a lifting cover movably accommodated in avertical direction inside the fixed cover, a lifting motor coupled tothe lifting cover, a gear module interworking with the lifting motor,and a water ejection nozzle to eject water. In some implementations, acircular rotator is rotatably coupled to an inside of the case. Thefixed cover may be connected to the rotator.

In another aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a waterejecting apparatus including a main body including a filter, a coldwater generator, a hot water generator, a water pipe, and a freezingdevice for the cold water generator. The water ejecting apparatus mayinclude a case that forms an outer appearance, and a water ejection unitincluding a water ejection nozzle.

In some implementations, the water ejection unit may include a motorinstalled inside a lifting cover, a plurality of following gearsconnected to a shaft of the motor, a rack coupled to at least one of thefollowing gears and coupled to a fixed cover, and a guide memberprovided at the fixed cover and the lifting cover. The guide member maylinearly guide an elevating operation of the lifting cover. A waterejection pipe that connects the main body with the water ejection nozzlemay extend to a lower portion of the lifting cover and may be coupled tothe water ejection nozzle that is provided at a lower end of the liftingcover in a horizontal direction.

In some implementations, a separate lighting unit may be provided nearthe water ejection nozzle. The lighting unit may include a guidingmember exposed to the outside of the lifting cover to transfer light anda plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs) mounted on a board installedin the lifting cover. The lighting unit can output light when the waterejection nozzle performs an elevating operation or when water is ejectedfrom the water ejection nozzle.

In some implementations, the water ejection nozzle and a touch bar maybe installed to be partially exposed from the water ejection unit. Atleast one of the water ejection nozzle and the touch bar can extendtoward a front cover that forms a front surface of the main body in afront-rear direction. The touch bar may be coupled to, and rotate about,a plurality of hinges arranged in a front-rear direction. In someimplementations, a rotating shaft is provided integrally with the touchbar and may be arranged in parallel with the extending direction of thetouch bar. In some implementations, a non-contact infrared (IR) sensoris disposed above the touch bar to detect whether the touch bar ascendsor descends in the lifting cover.

In some implementations, the inside of the fixed cover is provided witha metal guide bar of a cylindrical body extending in the up-downdirection and a rack gear spaced apart from the metal guide bar anddisposed in parallel therewith. Circular holes or recesses may beprovided and arranged in a line in the rack gear, so that resistance maywork against a phenomenon of bending of the rack gear.

In some implementations, a gear bracket may be coupled to the liftingcover. A driven gear coupled with a motor may be installed on one sideof the gear bracket, and a circular guide hole which can verticallyslide may be provided on the other side of the gear bracket and contactwith an outer circumferential surface of the cylindrical metal guidebar.

In some implementations, the fixed cover or the lifting cover may bedisposed at a rear of the motor and the driven gear, and a separator maybe provided to partition the space in the front-rear direction, therebypreventing the motor from being short-circuited due to a water splashaccident.

The motor may be provided as a BLDC motor, and a plurality of Hallsensors may be arranged on the motor substrate to detect a magneticforce generated in a permanent magnet of the motor rotor to detect aposition of the rotor. In some implementations, a direction of rotation,a rotation speed, and other parameters of the motor may be detected by acounter electromotive force and an FG signal of the motor.

An operation and display part may be mounted on an upper portion of thefixed cover, and a water ejecting button may be provided at theoperation and display part.

The water ejection pipe coupled to the water ejection unit may include acommon pipe and a separate hot water pipe. The common pipe is used todeliver cold water and purified water flow selectively. The common pipemay go through a central axis of a rotator located inside the main body,and the hot water pipe may be separately connected to a hot watergenerating part.

In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the aforementionedwater ejection unit may be horizontally disposed so that at least aportion of the water ejecting unit may be moved forward and backward.The water ejecting unit that can be moved back and forth may include afixed cover that is coupled to the main body and protrudes forward, anda forward/backward lifting cover that is installed in the fixed coverand movable in a front-rear direction. A water ejection nozzle may bedisposed below the forward/backward lifting cover and a pipe connectedthereto may be connected to an inside of the main body. The fixed covermay include a metal guide rod of a cylindrical body extending in thefront-rear direction and a rack gear spaced apart therefrom and disposedin parallel. In some implementations, circular holes or recesses may bearranged in a line between threads of the rack gear to resist a bendingphenomenon. A driven gear coupled with a motor may be installed on oneside of the front-rear movement guide member, and a circular guide holewhich slides forward and backward may be formed in contact with an outercircumferential surface of the cylindrical metal guide bar on the otherside of the front-rear movement guide member.

Example Operations and control methods of the apparatus provided in thepresent disclosure will be described.

In some implementations, when the user presses a water ejecting buttondisposed on an operation and display part, the lifting cover located ata top dead point descends on the rack gear according to driving of themotor. In the descending operation, a rotation speed of the motor may becontrolled and detected by a plurality of Hall sensors installed in themotor. In this state, when the container is placed on the front surfaceof the main body, a part of the touch bar that is exposed to the lowersurface of the lifting cover becomes to contact with the upper surfaceof the container, causing the touch bar to rotate upward in the liftingcover so that the non-contact sensor can detect the movement of thetouch bar. As a result of the detection, the driving of the motor isimmediately stopped, and a pre-programmed control program can cause themotor to reversely rotate by a predetermined amount so that the liftingcover can ascend by a predetermined height and then stop. When the motoris stopped, a water supply valve on the pipe is opened to supply waterto the water ejection nozzle, and water is dispensed into the container.

When the water ejection is terminated, the motor rotates reversely, andwhen the lifting cover ascends and reaches a top dead point, the liftingcover is retrained from further ascending. Then, a hall sensor detectsthat the rotor stops while power is applied to the motor. Based on thedetection, the motor can be immediately stopped, and the operation ofthe motor is terminated.

In some implementations, if certain resistance occurs in the motor whilethe lifting cover descends according to a user's water ejectionoperation request but a container is not detected using the touch bar,the resistance may be recognized as being caused by an obstacle (not acontainer). In this case, the driving of the motor is immediatelystopped, and the descending operation of the lifting cover is stopped.In some implementations, when such resistance occurs in the motor in aforward rotation state, the motor may be reversely rotated, and thenwater ejection may be performed after the lifting cover ascends by apredetermined height. Alternatively, if such resistance occurs in themotor in the forward rotation state, the motor reversely rotates, thelifting cover ascends to a height of a top dead point, water ejection isnot performed, and the operation is terminated.

In some implementations, as the lifting cover moves from the top deadpoint to the bottom dead point, the LED installed therein emits light sothat the user may recognize the elevating operation.

As for control of a rotation speed of the motor, the motor may becontrolled such that the lifting cover moves relatively slowly when itmoves from the top dead point to the bottom dead point, and movesrelatively quickly when it returns from the bottom dead point to the topdead point. In some implementations, when moving from the top dead pointto the bottom dead point, a descending speed of the lifting cover may becontrolled to gradually decrease in some sections. For example, as itapproaches the bottom dead point, the descending speed of the liftingcover may be controlled to gradually decrease.

The method of controlling the vertically movable water ejecting unitdescribed above may be similarly applied to a forward-backward movablewater ejecting unit in another embodiment of the present disclosure.

An example method of assembling the apparatus provided in the presentdisclosure will be described.

In some implementations, the touch bar may be fitted to the liftingcover downward so as to be installed, and the IR sensor for detectingthe touch bar is fitted downward so as to be installed inside thelifting cover. Thereafter, a nozzle assembly, in which the waterejection nozzle and the water ejection pipe are included, is fitteddownward so as to be installed and subsequently fixed by screws.Thereafter, a separate separator is installed on the rear surface of thelifting cover. Then, the lifting cover is inserted into the fixed cover.Also, a pipe is connected and assembled to the fixed cover and rotator.The motor is mounted on one side of the gear bracket, and a driving gearconnected to the rotating shaft of the motor is mounted on the otherside. Thereafter, at least one driven gear is connected to the drivinggear. Then, a motor cover is fastened to surround the motor. The motorcover may be fastened by a hook method. Further, the driving gear may becovered with a gear cover. Such a coupled configuration may be referredto as a lifting driving assembly. Thereafter, an upper end of the metalguide bar is fitted into the guide hole formed in the lifting coveropposite the rack gear, and the driven gear of the lifting drivingassembly is engaged with the rack gear and fitted downward in a spacebetween the fixed cover and the lifting cover so that the liftingdriving assembly is installed in the lifting cover. Here, a lower end ofthe metal guide bar is inserted into and fixed to a coupling recessformed at a protrusion protruding from a lower side of the fixed cover.Then, a screw is fastened in the up-down direction from an upper end ofthe lifting driving assembly to couple the lifting driving assembly tothe lifting cover.

In some implementations, the fixed cover includes a lifting gearextending in the up-down direction. In some implementations, the gearmodule includes a gear bracket coupled to the lifting cover and a gearthat is rotatably installed on the gear bracket and engaged with thelifting gear. Accordingly, the gear can be rotated along the liftinggear according to the operation of the lifting motor, and the liftingcover can be moved relative to the fixed cover in the up-down direction.

In some implementations, an example method of controlling a waterpurifier according to the present disclosure includes placing the waterreceiving container on a tray that is disposed vertically downward ofthe water ejection nozzle, determining a height of the water receivingcontainer, and operating the lifting motor if it is determined that thewater ejection nozzle is required to descend or if there is an inputfrom a lifting input unit.

Based on the operation of the lifting motor, the gear coupled to thelifting cover can be rotated and descend along the lifting gear thatextends in the up-down direction and mounted to the fixed cover, so thatthe lifting cover and the water ejection nozzle are moved downward.

Based on an input from a water ejection input unit, water can be ejectedfrom the water ejection nozzle and dispensed into the water receivingcontainer.

In some implementations, the touch bar is located on an imaginary lineconnecting the center of the water ejection nozzle and the center of thefront cover forming the front surface of the case. Alternatively or inaddition, the touch bar is located on an imaginary line connecting thecenter of the water ejection nozzle and the center of the rotatorrotatably mounted in the case. In some implementations, a rotation axisof the touch bar is parallel to an extending direction of the touch barand is spaced apart from one side of the touch bar. In someimplementations, a sensor for detecting the touch bar is located abovethe touch bar. In some implementations, in order for the water ejectionnozzle to automatically vertically move, the touch bar, the sensor, anda return spring are disposed in the lifting cover.

In some implementations, when the motor operates, a sensor that detectsa frequency generation (FG) signal of the motor detects top and bottomdead points of the lifting cover and controls a height of the elevatingof the water ejection nozzle. In some implementations, a liftingdistance is calculated using the FG signal to predict and the top deadpoint and the bottom dead point.

In some implementations, when the lifting cover and the water ejectionnozzle are automatically moved up and down, the water ejection pipe, themotor, and the gear move together with the lifting cover and the waterejection nozzle.

In some implementations, the lifting cover and the water ejection nozzleautomatically perform an elevating operation by a rack and pinionstructure and the motor built in the water ejection unit. A metalcylindrical guide bar and a rack may be arranged on both sides of thefixed cover. The lifting cover may ascend, while being in contact withand supported by the metal cylindrical guide bar and the rack, so that agap between the fixed cover and the lifting cover is equally maintainedat the top dead point and the bottom dead point when the lifting coverand the water ejection nozzle perform an elevating operation.

In some implementations, in order to prevent warpage of the rack, therack includes holes or recesses of the same pattern at the end of gearteeth of the rack to prevent vertical warpage. The rack can furtherinclude an H-beam structure configured to guide during vertical sliding.

In some implementations, a structure is provided to transmit light thatis generated from a light source printed circuit board (PCB) (indicatorPCB) in the lifting cover to the outside through a transparent covercomponent.

In some implementations, a cold water pipe can be configured such that aconnection portion with the water ejecting piping can rotate tocompensate a change in length of the cold water pipe in an internalspace. In addition or alternatively, a change in length of a hot waterpipe can be compensated by securing a space in the internal space of thecase or the water ejection unit where the hot water pipe can flex orbend.

In some implementations, the metal cylindrical guide in the liftingcover may be located at one side or both sides to linearly guidemovement of the lifting cover and the water ejection nozzle.

It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description andthe following detailed description of the present disclosure areexemplary and explanatory.

The water ejecting apparatus according to embodiments of the presentdisclosure may provide one or more of the following advantages.

The lifting cover including the water ejection nozzle can moverelatively in the up-down direction according to the driving of thelifting motor, thereby increasing user convenience and stability. Forexample, the water ejection nozzle can descend by simply a user input ofpressing the button of the lifting input part or by automaticallydetermining the position or presence of the water receiving container ina tray. Accordingly, user convenience may be further increased.

In some implementations, the water ejection nozzle can descend to aheight of the water receiving container, and thus prevent water fromsplashing or scattering in or around the container. In addition, safetyof the user may be ensured when hot water is dispensed.

In some implementations, since the water ejection nozzle is rotatable inthe horizontal direction, the user may be able to freely move the waterejection nozzle as necessary.

In some implementations, in order to effectively elevate the waterejection nozzle within the limited size of the water ejection unit, thegear of the rack and pinion and the multi-step gear are applied, wherebywater splashing may be reduced by adjusting a height of the waterejection nozzle, and hygiene may be improved in using the apparatus.

In some implementations, instead of using a mechanical containerdetection technology that limitedly performs detection based on typesand sizes of the container, the apparatus according to the presentdisclosure can advantageously detect any container disposed between thewater ejection nozzle and the front surface of the case through thelinear touch bar disposed between the water ejection nozzle and thefront surface of the case.

In some implementations, various pipes for water ejection may be easilydisposed in the water ejection unit. Further, when the water ejectionunit rotates or elevates, the movement of the pipes disposed inside thecase may be minimized and thus deformation of the pipes are minimized.

In some implementations, containers having various heights and variousinlet sizes may be accurately detected without being damaged when placedbelow the water ejection nozzle. For example, a paper cup having a lightweight may be relatively easily collapsed or crushed due to a contactforce by the touch bar that contacts the cup. However, the touch bar ofthe present disclosure has a lightweight structure. In addition, theapparatus according to the present disclosure is configured to adjuststrength of an elastic member to provide elasticity to the touch bar.Therefore, according to the present disclosure, when the water ejectionnozzle descends and the light-weight touch bar touches the paper cup, aless load is applied to the edge of the paper cup, so that the paper cupdoes not collapse or crush while the touch bar can move upward againstthe paper cup. As such, the apparatus according to the presentdisclosure implements a lightweight touch bar structure and contactingoperation and thus may dispense water after detecting the height of acontainer even if the container is a paper cup, a disposable cup, etc.,which is light in weight.

In some implementations, the apparatus of the present disclosure exposesonly a small portion of the touch bar so that a contact area thatcontacts with the edge of the water receiving container is reduced,thereby minimizing contamination of the edge of the water receivingcontainer.

In some implementations, when the touch bar that is installed at thelifting cover detects the contact of the container, the lifting covermoves upward by a certain distance and then is stopped. Therefore,interference between the water ejection nozzle and the water receivingcontainer may be minimized, and thus a user can easily pull out thewater receiving container from below the water ejection nozzle.

In some implementations, the apparatus according to the presentdisclosure can detect the height of a water receiving container of anysize when it is disposed between the water ejection nozzle and the frontof the case. In some implementations, the apparatus according to thepresent disclosure can adjust a reaction speed of the touch bar thatdetects the water receiving container. In some implementations, theapparatus according to the present disclosure is configured to increasestrength of the parts for elevating the water ejection nozzle. In someimplementations, vibration or shaking of the apparatus or parts thereofmay be prevented or reduced during the elevating operation of the waterejection nozzle. In some implementations, water splashing is reduced andhygiene is improved as the height of the water ejection nozzle can beadjusted. In some implementations, inlet sizes and heights of variouscontainers may be detected. In some implementations, an elevatingoperation of the water ejection nozzle may be identified even if theoperation is intervened such as by a user's accidental or unconsciousinterference with the apparatus. In some implementations, the apparatusaccording to the present disclosure can reduce the number of sensors inperforming water ejection after the water ejection nozzle descends nearthe water receiving container.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a furtherunderstanding of the present disclosure and are incorporated in andconstitute a part of this application, illustrate embodiments of thepresent disclosure and together with the description serve to explainthe principle of the present disclosure. In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a view showing a water purifier according to an embodiment ofthe present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a view showing a state where a position of a water ejectionnozzle of a water purifier is changed according to an embodiment of thepresent disclosure.

FIGS. 3 and 4 are exploded views of a water purifier according to anembodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5 is a view showing the water ejection unit of a water purifieraccording to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 6 is an exploded view of a water ejection unit of a water purifieraccording to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 7 is a cross-section view taken along line VII-VII′ of FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VIII-VIII′ togetherwith movement.

FIG. 9 is a side view showing a state before and after lifting of awater ejection unit of a water purifier according to an embodiment ofthe present disclosure.

FIG. 10 is a side view of a driving motor and a gear module, which aresome components of the present disclosure.

FIG. 11 is a rear view showing a state where a water ejection pipe isdisposed at a water ejection unit of a water purifier according to anembodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 12 is a top view showing a state where a water ejection pipe isdisposed at a water ejection unit of a water purifier according to anembodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 13 is a plan view comparing states of a water ejection pipedepending on whether a water ejection nozzle ascends or descends.

FIG. 14 is a view showing a connection state of a water ejection nozzleand a water ejection pipe.

FIG. 15 is a side view comparing states of a water ejection pipedepending on whether a water ejection nozzle ascends or descends.

FIG. 16 is a perspective view showing a coupling structure of a rotatorand the water ejection pipe.

FIGS. 17 and 18 are front views showing a state where a lifting coverascends or descends while a guide bar is mounted on a fixed cover.

FIG. 19 is an exploded perspective view of a water ejection unitequipped with a guide bar.

FIG. 20 is a rear perspective view of a water ejection unit equippedwith a guide bar.

FIG. 21 is a perspective view of a third plate.

FIG. 22 is a front view of a portion of a third plate.

FIG. 23 is an example result of experimenting the degree of deflectiondeformation of a lifting gear before machining a reinforcing recess.

FIG. 24 is an example result of experimenting the degree of deflectiondeformation of a lifting gear after machining a reinforcing recess.

FIG. 25 is a front perspective view of a water purifier that outputslight.

FIG. 26 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a water ejection unithaving a lighting output function.

FIG. 27 is a bottom view of a light source printed circuit board (PCB).

FIG. 28 is a perspective view of a lifting cover equipped with adiffusion member.

FIG. 29 is a partially cut-away perspective view of a lifting cover.

FIG. 30 is a perspective view of a detection sensor.

FIG. 31 is a perspective view of a touch bar.

FIG. 32 is a vertical cross-sectional view of a lifting cover showing astate where a touch bar descends.

FIG. 33 is a vertical cross-sectional view of a lifting cover showing astate where a touch bar ascends.

FIG. 34 is a bottom view of a lifting cover.

FIG. 35 is a graph showing an example result of measuring force requiredfor detecting a container at each position in a structure according tothe present disclosure.

FIG. 36 is a block diagram showing major components for an elevatingoperation of a water ejection nozzle.

FIG. 37 is a control flow chart when a water ejection nozzle descends.

FIG. 38 is a control flow chart of when a water ejection nozzle ascends.

FIG. 39 is a graph showing a change in speed of a motor when the waterejection nozzle descends.

FIG. 40 is a graph showing a change in speed of a motor when an obstacleis detected as a water ejection nozzle descends.

FIG. 41 is a view showing a control flow of a water purifier accordingto a first embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 42 is a view showing a control flow of a water purifier accordingto a second embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 43 is a view showing a change in height of a touch bar during anelevating operation of a water ejection nozzle.

FIG. 44 is a view showing a state where a lifting cover and a waterejection nozzle are manually descended.

FIG. 45 is a view showing a state where a lifting cover and a waterejection nozzle are automatically elevated according to the presentdisclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will bedescribed in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Inadding reference numerals for elements in each figure, it should benoted that like reference numerals already used to denote like elementsin other figures are used for elements wherever possible. Moreover,detailed descriptions related to well-known functions or configurationswill be ruled out in order not to unnecessarily obscure subject mattersof the present disclosure.

FIG. 1 is a view showing a water ejecting apparatus according to anembodiment of the present disclosure. In this document, the waterejecting apparatus may refer to a variety of water ejecting apparatusesthat supply raw water in a drinkable state, such as a water purifier, adrinking water vending machine, a coffee machine, and other suitableapparatuses. As shown in FIG. 1, the water ejecting apparatus 1according to the present disclosure includes a case 10 that forms anouter appearance, and a water ejection unit 20 coupled to a side of thecase 10.

The case 10 defines an internal space in which various components to bedescribed later are installed. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, the case10 may have a cylindrical shape. However, this is an exemplary shape andthe case 10 may have various other shapes.

The case 10 may be made by coupling a plurality of plates. For example,the case 10 includes a front cover 100, a rear cover 102, a base cover104, a top cover 106, and a pair of side covers 108. Here, these coversmay define front, rear, lower, upper and side surfaces of the waterejecting apparatus 1.

In some implementations, the covers may be connected to one or more ofthe other covers through a coupling member or coupling structure. Forexample, the front cover 100 and the rear cover 102 are spaced apartfrom each other forward and backward. In addition, a pair of side covers108 may connect to the front cover 100 and the rear cover 102 to form acircumference of the water ejecting apparatus 1. A top cover 106 iscoupled to upper ends of the front cover 100, the rear cover 102, andthe pair of side covers 108. In addition, a base cover 104 is coupled tolower ends of the front cover 100, the rear cover 102, and the pair ofside covers 108. The base cover 104 is understood as a part seated on abottom surface on which the water ejecting apparatus 1 is installed.

In some implementations, the front cover 100 and the rear cover 102 arebent at a predetermined curvature, and the pair of side covers 108 maybe formed as a flat plate. For example, the front cover 100 and the rearcover 102 may be formed to be convex forward and backward, respectively.The base cover 104 and the top cover 106 have rounded peripheries attheir front and rear ends to correspond to the curved shapes of thefront cover 100 and the rear cover 102.

In some implementations, a flat portion 1002 may be provided in anup-down direction at the center of the front cover 100. The flat portion1002 may function as a center point (e.g., a reference point) fordescribing rotation of the water ejection unit 20 relative to the case,as described later in more detail. In some implementations, the flatportion 1002 may be a recessed portion in the front cover 100 thatprotrudes forward. The front surface of the front cover 100 can providea portion or space in which a user disposes a container such as a cup(hereinafter, referred to as a water receiving container) for takingwater. Accordingly, the flat portion 1002 can be formed so that the usermay place the water receiving container more closely toward the case(e.g., the front cover 100) and the water receiving container may bestably supported.

In some implementations, the water ejecting apparatus 1 includes a tray30 on which the water receiving container is seated. The tray 30 isconnected to the base cover 104 and is disposed to protrude forward.Therefore, the tray 30 may be understood as forming a lower surface ofthe water ejecting apparatus 1 together with the base cover 104.

The tray 30 may be positioned vertically below the water ejection nozzle240. In some implementations, the tray 30 may include a structure forreceiving water that is not received in the water receiving container ordrips outside the container. For example, the tray 30 may include agrille and a storage part below the grille.

The water ejection unit 20 may be coupled to, and protrude from, oneside of the case 10. For example, the water ejection unit 20 may bearranged to protrude forward from the front cover 100 and the top cover106. In addition, the water ejection unit 20 is coupled in communicationwith the case 10.

The water ejection unit 20 includes a water ejection top cover 230,water ejection lifting covers 200 and 210, and a rotator 220. Each covermay form an outer appearance of the water ejection unit 20.

The rotator 220 is seated on the case 10. Referring to FIG. 3, therotator 220 is provided in a cylindrical shape corresponding tocurvature of the front cover 100. The rotator 220 can be disposed suchthat the front cover 100 is divided into upper and lower portions.Accordingly, the front cover 100 is divided into a lower front cover1000 coupled with the base cover 104 and an upper front cover 1004coupled with the top cover 106.

The upper front cover 1004 can have a smaller cross-sectional area thanthe lower front cover 1000. Therefore, the upper front cover 1004 isunderstood as an auxiliary portion in forming the outer appearance. Thelower front cover 1000 is understood as a portion in which the flatportion 1002 is formed, and disposed on one side of the water receivingcontainer.

The water ejecting lifting covers 200 and 210 can be disposed toprotrude forward from the front cover 100. For example, the waterejecting lifting covers 200 and 210 protrude convexly to the outsidefrom the rotator 220. The water ejection top cover 230 extends from thetop cover 106 to cover the upper ends of the water ejection liftingcovers 200 and 210.

The water ejection top cover 230 may include various input units 270through which a user inputs a predetermined command. The input unit 270may be provided in various forms such as a button and a touch-sensitiveelement. Although the input unit 270 is illustrated as a single inputelement in FIG. 1, the input unit 270 may include multiple elements.

The water ejection top cover 230 may include a side wall portion 2301.One side of the side wall portion 2301 may be rotatably coupled to thetop cover 106 and the other side of the side wall portion 2301 may becoupled to an upper side of the water ejection lifting covers 200 and210. The one side of the side wall portion 2301 that is coupled to thetop cover 106 may be higher than the other side thereof coupled to theupper side of the water ejection lifting covers 200 and 210. Therefore,the water ejection top cover 230 may be spaced apart from the top cover103 by the side wall portion 2301, and the water ejection top cover 230may be downwardly inclined toward the water ejection unit 20 from thecase 10. Accordingly, readability of the input unit 270 and a displayunit may be improved.

A wiring hole 1061 (see FIG. 3) may be formed in the top cover 106.Various wires may pass through the wiring hole 1061 and may be connectedto the input unit 270 and the display unit.

The water ejection top cover 230 and the side wall portion 2301 may besupported on the wiring hole 1061 (e.g., by contacting a portionsurrounding the wiring hole 1061) and rotate with respect to the wiringhole 1061. Therefore, wire twisting may be reduced when the waterejection top cover 230 and the side wall portion 2301 rotate.

The water ejection unit 20 includes a water ejection nozzle 240 throughwhich a predetermined amount of water is dispensed. The water ejectionnozzle 240 is installed to extend downward and may be disposed to beexposed below the water ejection lifting covers 200 and 210. Asdescribed above, the tray 30 is disposed vertically below the waterejection nozzle 240.

A water ejection pipe (as described herein) that is connected to thewater ejection nozzle 240 is disposed inside the water ejection unit 20.The water ejection pipe may extend from the inside of the case 10 to theinside of the water ejection unit 20 and be coupled to the waterejection nozzle 240.

The water ejection unit 20 of the water ejecting apparatus 1 accordingto the present disclosure may be moved so that a position of the waterejection nozzle 240 is changed. This will be described in detailhereinafter.

FIG. 2 is a view showing an example position of the water ejectionnozzle of the water ejecting apparatus that is changed according to anembodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 2, the waterejection unit 20 can rotate or move vertically. Accordingly, the waterejection nozzle 240 may be rotated or moved vertically. In addition, thetray 30 may be rotated according to the rotation to the water ejectionnozzle 240.

First, the rotation mechanisms of the water ejection unit 20 will bedescribed. The water ejection unit 20 may be rotated as the rotator 220is rotated. That is, as the rotator 220 is rotated, the water ejectionlifting covers 200 and 210, the water ejection top cover 230, and thewater ejection nozzle 240 may be rotated.

For example, the water ejection unit 20 may be rotated along the frontcover 100 and have a rotation radius of approximately 180 degrees. Inaddition, as the input unit 270 is formed on the water ejection topcover 230, it is rotated together with the water ejection unit 20 tocorrect user convenience.

The tray 30 can be rotatably coupled to the base cover 104 and rotatedto correspond to the water ejection unit 20. The tray 30 may also have arotation radius of approximately 180 degrees.

Second, the lifting mechanisms of the water ejection unit 20 will bedescribed. The water ejection unit 20 includes water ejection liftingcovers 200 and 210. The water ejection lifting covers 200 and 210 may bemoved up and down based on the case 10 as a whole. At least a portion ofthe water ejection lifting covers 200 and 210 may move up or down basedon the case 10.

For example, the water ejection lifting covers 200 and 210 include alifting cover 210 which performs an elevating operation (i.e., whichmoves up and down) based on the case 10. As another example, the waterejection lifting covers 200 and 210 include a fixed cover 200 connectedto the case 10 and a lifting cover 210 movably coupled to the fixedcover 200. The fixed cover 200 may be fixed to the rotator 220.

In addition, the water ejection top cover 230 may be coupled to an upperend of the fixed cover 200. The lifting cover 210 may be disposed insidethe fixed cover 200 and may be moved along the fixed cover 200. Inaddition, the water ejection nozzle 240 may be installed on the liftingcover 210 and moved together with the lifting cover 210.

The water ejection unit 20 may be rotated and elevated independently.That is, the rotation and lifting of the water ejection unit 20 may beperformed simultaneously or separately. For example, the rotation of thewater ejection unit 20 may be performed while the water ejection unit 20remains at a height (e.g., an installation position), and the lifting ofthe water ejection unit 20 may be performed based on a height of thewater receiving container placed under the water ejection unit 20.

In addition, the water ejection unit 20 may have a structure that isrotated or lifted. That is, the water ejection unit 20 may have astructure lifted without being rotated. Accordingly, the rotator 220 maybe fixed to the case 10 and disposed.

Hereinafter, an internal configuration of the water ejecting apparatus 1will be described in detail.

FIGS. 3 and 4 are exploded views of a water ejecting apparatus accordingto an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 4 is a partial explodedview of some components of the water ejecting apparatus of FIG. 3 forconvenience of understanding.

The water ejecting apparatus 1 shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 may have aconfiguration capable of supplying purified water, cold water, and hotwater. However, this is merely an example, and the configuration of thewater ejecting apparatus 1 is not limited to those described herein.Some of the configurations may be omitted, and/or other components maybe added. For the convenience of the description, piping for deliveringwater is omitted in FIGS. 3 and 4.

As illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4, the water ejecting apparatus 1 includesa filter 40 disposed in the case 10, a cooling tank 50, a compressor 60,a condenser 70 and an induction heating assembly 80. In addition, afilter bracket 45 in which the filter 40 is mounted is provided in thecase 10. The filter bracket 45 may be seated on the base cover 104adjacent to the front cover 100. In addition, the rotator 220 may beseated on the filter bracket 45. That is, the filter bracket 45 may beprovided at a height corresponding to the lower front cover 1000. Upperand lower ends of the filter bracket 45 may be provided in a semicircleshape having a curvature corresponding to the front cover 100. Inaddition, the filter bracket 45 may form a space recessed backward sothat the filter 40 may be accommodated therein.

In some implementations, the filter 40 is disposed in a space formedbetween the filter bracket 45 and the front cover 100. The filter 40 isconfigured to purify raw water (tap water) being supplied. The filter 40may be made by a combination of filters having various functions. Thatis, the filter 40 may be provided in various numbers and various shapes.

In some implementations, the filter bracket 45 may be provided withvarious valves to be connected to respective pipes. For example, a pipethrough which water flowing into the filter 40 flows and a pipe throughwhich purified water flows from the filter 40 may be connected to thefilter bracket 45.

In some implementations, water purified by the filter 40 may be suppliedto the cooling tank 50 and the induction heating assembly 80 or thewater ejection nozzle 240. That is, water purified by the filter 40 maybe supplied in the form of cold water, hot water and purified water.

The compressor 60 and the condenser 70 form a refrigeration cycletogether with an evaporator 55 disposed in the cooling tank 50. That is,the compressor 60 and the condenser 70 may be understood as componentsfor supplying cold water. The compressor 60 and the condenser 70 may beseated on the base cover 104. For example, the compressor 60 and thecondenser 70 may be disposed behind the filter bracket 45. In addition,a cooling fan 65 is disposed between the compressor 60 and the condenser70. The cooling fan 65 is understood as a component for cooling thecompressor 60 and the condenser 70.

In some implementations, the compressor 60 may be an inverter-typecompressor that may control cooling capacity by varying a frequency.Therefore, purified water may be efficiently cooled, thereby reducingpower consumption. In addition, the condenser 70 may be positioned at aposition corresponding to a discharge port formed at the rear cover 102.The condenser 70 may be formed by bending a plurality of flat tube typerefrigerant tubes in order to efficiently use a space and improve heatexchange efficiency. In addition, the condenser 70 may be accommodatedin a condenser bracket 75. The condenser bracket 75 is provided to forma space having a shape corresponding to an overall shape of thecondenser 70 to accommodate the condenser 70. In addition, the condenserbracket 75 is formed such that portions facing the cooling fan 65 and adischarge port of the rear cover 102 are opened so that the condenser 70may be effectively cooled.

A tank mounting part 53 in which the cooling tank 50 is accommodated isdisposed on an upper portion of the condensation bracket 75. The tankmounting part 53 can be a component for fixing the cooling tank 50. Forexample, the tank mounting part 53 is provided so that a lower end ofthe cooling tank 50 is inserted.

The cooling tank 50 is for cooling purified water to produce cold waterand is filled with a coolant for heat exchange with purified waterflowing into the cooling tank 50. In addition, an evaporator 55 forcooling the coolant may be accommodated in the cooling tank 50. Inaddition, the purified water may be cooled so as to pass through theinside of the cooling tank.

The induction heating assembly 80, which is for heating purified water,is configured to heat purified water according to an induction heating(IH) method. The induction heating assembly 80 may heat water at aninstant and rapid rate during hot water ejection operation and may heatpurified water to a desired temperature by controlling an output of amagnetic field and provide the heated purified water to the user.Therefore, hot water at a desired temperature may be dispensed accordingto a user's operation.

The induction heating assembly 80 is seated and installed on a supportplate 85. The support plate 85 extends from the filter bracket 45 to thecooling tank 50. The support plate 85 is provided above the compressor160.

In some implementations, the water ejecting apparatus 1 includes acontroller 90. The controller 90 may control the components describedabove to control the driving of the water ejecting apparatus 1. Forexample, the controller 90 is configured to control the compressor 60,the cooling fan 65, various valves, sensors, and the induction heatingassembly 80. The controller 90 may be configured to be modularized by acombination of PCBs divided into a plurality of parts for each function.

The controller 90 may function to heat purified water together with theinduction heating assembly 80. Accordingly, the controller 90 isdisposed on one side of the induction heating assembly 80. For example,the controller 90 may be coupled with the induction heating assembly 80as one module and seated on the support plate 85.

The water ejecting apparatus 1 includes a rotating structure of thewater ejection unit 20. That is, the water ejecting apparatus 1 includesa structure that rotatably receives the rotator 220 and the tray 30. Insome implementations, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the rotating structureincludes rotation mounting parts 225 and 227 that are coupled to therotator 220. The rotation mounting parts 225 and 227 are provided in aring shape having an outer diameter corresponding to the rotator 220.For example, guide rails are formed on the rotation mounting parts 225and 227, and the rotator 220 may be slidably moved along the guiderails. In addition, the rotation mounting parts 225 and 227 may beprovided as a pair of plates between which ball bearings or rollers aredisposed.

The rotation mounting parts 225, 227 include an upper rotation mountingpart 225 that is coupled to an upper end of the rotator 220, and a lowerrotation mounting part 227 that is coupled to a lower end of the rotator220. The lower rotation mounting part 227 may be fixed to an upper endof the filter bracket 45. The upper rotation mounting part 225 may befixed to a lower end of the upper front cover 1104.

In some implementations, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, a tray mounting part300 can be coupled to the tray 30. The tray mounting part 300 is fixedto the base cover 104 and is provided in a ring shape having an outerdiameter corresponding to a front end of the base cover 104. The tray 30can include a tray hook 310 that is coupled to the tray mounting part300. The tray 30 can be detachably hooked to the tray mounting part 300.Therefore, the user may easily remove and wash the tray 30.

Hereinafter, the lifting structure of the water ejection unit 20 will bedescribed in detail.

FIG. 5 is a view showing a water ejection unit of the water ejectingapparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 6is a view showing an exploded water ejection unit of a water ejectingapparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 7is a cross-sectional view of the water ejection unit 20 taken along lineVII-VII′ of FIG. 6. FIG. 8 are cross-sectional views of the waterejection unit 20 taken along line VIII-VIII′ of FIG. 5, which are indifferent positions.

As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the water ejection unit 20 includes the waterejection lifting covers 200 and 210 and the rotator 220. The waterejection lifting covers can include the fixed cover 200 and the liftingcover 210. For convenience of description, the water ejection top cover230 and the water ejection nozzle 240 are omitted.

As described above, the fixed cover 200 is a fixed component, and thelifting cover 210 is a movable component. However, this is merely anexample, and the water ejection lifting covers 200 and 210 may beconfigured in other relatively movable forms. For example, both thewater ejection lifting covers 200 and 210 may be configured to bemovable.

As described above, the rotator 220 is provided in a cylindrical shape.For example, a front side of the rotator 220 may form a front appearanceof the water ejecting apparatus 1 together with the front cover 100.

The fixed cover 200 is coupled to an outside of the rotator 220. In someimplementations, the fixed cover 200 includes a first plate 2000 coupledto the rotator 220 and a second plate 2002 extending from the firstplate 2000. The first plate 2000 and the second plate 2002 are separatedfor convenience of description and may be integrally formed with eachother. The first plate 2000 is provided as a flat plate having apredetermined thickness. Alternatively, the first plate 2000 may beprovided in the form of a plate bent with a curvature corresponding tothe rotator 220. In this case, FIG. 7 illustrates the first plate 2000by cutting the second plate 2002.

Referring to FIG. 7, the first plate 2000 is provided with a waterejection opening 2004 that communicates with an internal space of thecase 10. In addition, a through hole corresponding to the water ejectionopening 2004 is formed at the rotator 220. The water ejection opening2004 corresponds to a hole through which the water ejection pipeextending to the water ejection nozzle 240 passes.

In some implementations, the first plate 2000 is provided with a liftinggear 2006 and a guide rail 2008 extending in the up-down direction.Here, the surface of the first plate 2000 on which the lifting gear 2006and the guide rail 2008 are formed is referred to as an inner surface,and the surface of the first plate 2000 coupled with the rotator 220 isreferred to as an outer surface.

The lifting gear 2006 and the guide rail 2008 are formed to protrudefrom the inner surface of the first plate 2000. The lifting gear 2006and the guide rail 2008 may extend vertically from an upper end to alower end of the first plate 2000.

In some implementations, the lifting gear 2006 and the guide rail 2008are respectively disposed on both sides of the water ejection opening2004. In FIG. 7, the lifting gear 2006 is located on the right side ofthe water ejection opening 2004 and is located on the left side of theguide rail 2008. That is, the lifting gear 2006 and the guide rail 2008are spaced apart from each other in a horizontal direction and extendparallel to each other in a vertical direction.

The lifting gear 2006 can provide a linear rack. The lifting gear 2006has gear teeth extending in the vertical direction. For example, thelifting gear 2006 has gear teeth that face one side surface,specifically, the water ejection opening 2004.

The guide rail 2008 can be configured in a smoothly extended rod shape.For example, a plurality of seating recesses 2007 and 2009 are formed onone surface, i.e., on the right surface, of the guide rail 2008 facingthe lifting gear 2006. The plurality of seating recesses 2007 and 2009may be recessed from the right surface of the guide rail 2008 to theleft side.

The plurality of seating recesses 2007 and 2009 include a first seatingrecess 2007 and a second seating recess 2009 positioned below the firstseating recess 2007. For example, the first seating recess 2007 isformed adjacent to an upper end of the guide rail 2008, and the secondseating recess 2009 is formed adjacent to a lower end of the guide rail2008. The first seating recess 2007 and the second seating recess 2009may be spaced apart from each other by a maximum distance. For example,the distance between the first seating recess 2007 and the secondseating recess 2009 may correspond to a distance by which the liftingcover 210 is moved.

The second plate 2002 can extend convexly from both ends of the firstplate 2000. For example, the second plate 2002 can be coupled with bothends of the first plate 2000 in a bent form. Accordingly, apredetermined space is formed between the first plate 2000 and thesecond plate 2002. Such a space is provided with the top and bottomopen. That is, upper and lower portions of the fixed cover 200 areprovided in an open state. The upper portion of the fixed cover 200 canbe closed by coupling the water ejection top cover 230 thereto. Thelower portion of the fixed cover 200 may be closed by the lifting cover210. The surface of the second plate 2002 that forms the space may bereferred to as an inner surface, and the surface facing the innersurface may be referred to as an outer surface. The outer surface of thesecond plate 2002 is a portion protruding in front of the water ejectingapparatus 1 and corresponds to a surface forming an outer appearance.Accordingly, the outer surface of the second plate 2002 may be smoothlyformed for aesthetics. In addition, the inner surface of the secondplate 2002 is smoothly formed so that the fixed cover 210 may be moved.For example, a guide projection 2003 that protrudes laterally is formedon the inner surface of the second plate 2002. The guide projection 2003extends from the top to the bottom of the second plate 2002 in theup-down direction.

In addition, the guide projection 2003 may be formed adjacent to each ofthe guide rail 2008 and the lifting gear 2006. In FIG. 6, the guideprojection 2003 adjacent to the guide rail 2008 is illustrated, and inFIG. 7, the guide projection 2003 adjacent to the lifting gear 2006 isillustrated.

The lifting cover 210 can be disposed inside the fixed cover 200. Forexample, the lifting cover 210 is disposed in a space formed by thefirst plate 2000 and the second plate 2002 of the fixed cover 200. Thelifting cover 210 can be moved downward inside the fixed cover 200.

The lifting cover 210 can be provided in a shape corresponding to thefixed cover 200. For example, the lifting cover 210 has the first plate2010 and the second plate 2012 in the same manner as the fixed cover200. Although the first plate 2010 and the second plate 2012 of thelifting cover 210 are separately illustrated in FIG. 6, this isillustrative and the first plate 201 and the second plate 2012 may beintegrally formed. The second plate 2012 may be convex to the front(lower left end in FIG. 6). Accordingly, a predetermined space is alsoformed in the lifting cover 210 by the first plate 2010 and the secondplate 2012. Also, an upper end of the lifting cover 210 is open and maybe cut in a predetermined shape for coupling with the lifting motor 250and the gear module 260 to be described later.

The water ejection nozzle 240 can be installed at a lower end of thelifting cover 210. For example, an opening to which the water ejectionnozzle 240 is fitted may be provided at a lower portion of the liftingcover 210.

The first plate 2010 can include a water ejection recess 2014 thatcorresponds to the water ejection opening 2004. The water ejectionrecess 2014 may be formed at a position corresponding to the waterejection opening 2004 when the lifting cover 210 is in an ascendedposition. Accordingly, the water ejection pipe may be extended throughthe water ejection opening 2004 and the water ejection recess 2014.

In some implementations, an auxiliary guide rail 2015 can be provided onthe first plate 2010. The auxiliary guide rail 2015 is configured toprotrude toward both sides and extends in the up-down direction. Theauxiliary guide rail 2015 may be in contact with the guide projection2003 to guide movement.

The second plate 2012 may include a gripping part 2013 that a user maygrip. The gripping part 2013 is located on both side lower portions ofthe second plate 2012. In addition, the fixed cover 200 is configured ina cut shape so that the gripping part 2013 may be exposed to the outsideeven when the lifting cover 210 ascends. The gripping part 2013 may bean auxiliary component for the user to manually move the lifting cover210. In addition, the gripping part 2013 may be provided in variousforms so that the user may conveniently move the lifting cover 210.

In some implementations, the second plate 2012 may be formed with anindented check recess 2012 a at an upper end thereof. Through the checkrecess 2012 a, a weight of the lifting cover 210 may be reduced. Throughthe check recess 2012 a, the lifting motor 250 and the gear module 260may be installed or the installed lifting motor 250 and the gear module260 may be checked.

In some implementations, the second plate 2012 can include a liftingbracket 2016 coupled to a lifting motor 250 and a gear module 260, whichwill be described later. The lifting bracket 2016 includes a motorcoupling part 2017 to which the lifting motor 250 is coupled and a gearseating part 2018 to which the gear module 260 is coupled.

The water ejection unit 20 further includes the lifting motor 250 andthe gear module 260 interworking with the lifting motor 250.

The lifting motor 250 includes an external power supply or a main PCB,that is, an electric wire and a connector 2504 connected to thecontroller 90, a motor shaft 2500 rotated by supplied power, and a motorgear 2502 connected to the motor shaft 2500. The motor gear 2502 caninclude a spur gear in which gear teeth are cut to be parallel to themotor shaft 2500.

For reference, a signal detection unit 650, which will be describedlater, may be connected to the electric wire and the connector 2504connected to the lifting motor 250.

As described above, the lifting motor 250 is coupled to the motorcoupling part 2017. Thus, the lifting motor 250 may be coupled to thelifting cover 210. For example, the lifting motor 250 may be coupled tothe lifting cover 210 such that the motor shaft 2500 extends in ahorizontal direction and the motor gear 2502 is disposed at the rear. Anexample of the lifting motor 250 includes a BLDC motor having a brakefunction.

The gear module 260 may include a plurality of gears that can be rotatedby the lifting motor 250. The gear module 260 can include a gear bracket2600 for rotatably fixing a plurality of gears. The gear bracket 2600may be seated on an upper portion of the motor coupling part 2017 andcoupled by a coupling member.

The gear bracket 2600 includes gear guide protrusions 2602 that protrudefrom both sides and can be brought into contact with the guideprojection 2003. The gear guide projection 2602 may be provided as apair spaced apart from each other and protruding such that the guideprojection 2003 is disposed therebetween. For example, the guideprojection 2003 and the gear guide projection 2602 may be disposed in astate where they are fitted with each other. Accordingly, the gearbracket 2600 may be guided and moved in an up-down direction along theguide projection 2003.

In some implementations, the gear bracket 2600 includes a guide railprojection 2604 that protrudes backward. The guide rail projection 2604may be disposed to contact the inner surface of the guide rail 2008.Accordingly, the gear bracket 2600 may be guided in the up-downdirection along the guide rail 2008.

For example, the guide rail projection 2604 may be in close contact withan inner surface of the guide rail 2008 to receive an external force. Insome implementations, a force that the guide rail projection 2604 pushesthe inner surface of the guide rail 2008 to the outside may begenerated. Accordingly, the guide rail projection 2604 may be insertedinto the first and second seating recesses 2007 and 2009.

Referring to FIG. 8, the gear module 260 includes a first gear 2606, asecond gear 2607, a third gear 2608, and a fourth gear 2609 mounted onthe gear bracket 2600. Here, the number and shape of the gears aremerely illustrative.

The first gear 2606 is a gear engaged with the motor gear 2402. Thesecond gear 2607 is coaxially connected to the first gear 2606. In someimplementations, the first gear 2606 and the second gear 2607 may beformed as one gear. A size (diameter) of the first gear 2606 may belarger than a size (diameter) of the second gear 2607.

The third gear 2608 is a gear engaged with the second gear 2607. Thefourth gear 2609 is coaxially connected to the third gear 2608. In someimplementations, the third gear 2608 and the fourth gear 2609 may beformed as one gear. A size (diameter) of the third gear 2608 may beformed to be larger than a size (diameter) of the fourth gear 2609.

The fourth gear 2609 is engaged with the third gear 2608. In someimplementations, the third gear 2608 is formed on the fixed cover 200and is a fixed component. In addition, the fourth gear 2609 is mountedon the gear bracket 2600 and is a component coupled to the lifting cover210. Therefore, as the fourth gear 2609 is rotated, the lifting cover210 may be moved.

As described above, as the gear module 260 includes the plurality ofgears, the gear module 260 may function as a reduction gear.

An example lifting mechanism of the lifting cover 210 will be describedwith reference to FIG. 8. FIG. 8(a) shows that the lifting cover 210 isin an ascended position, and FIG. 8(b) shows the lifting cover 210 is adescended position. Also, FIG. 8(a) shows that the guide rail projection2604 is inserted into the first seating recess 2007 and FIG. 8(b) showsthat the guide rail projection 2604 is inserted into the second seatingrecess 2009. Therefore, the lifting cover 210 may be moved by a distancebetween the first and second seating recesses 2009. In someimplementations, the water ejection nozzle 240 that is installed on thelifting cover 210 may be lifted or lowered by a moving distance of thelifting cover 210.

<Water Ejection Pipe Arrangement Structure>

FIG. 9 illustrates side views of the water ejection unit of the waterejecting apparatus in ascended and descended positions according to anembodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 10 is a side view of thelifting motor and the gear module.

Referring to FIG. 9, when the lifting cover 210 ascends or descends, thewater ejection nozzle 240 coupled to the lower side of the lifting cover210 ascends or descends together. In addition, the water ejection nozzle240 is connected to the water ejection pipe 400.

After passing through the water ejection opening (2004, see FIG. 7) andthe water ejection recess (2014, see FIG. 6), the water ejection pipe400 may extend to the inside of the water ejection unit 20 from theinside of the case 10 and may be connected to the water ejection nozzle240.

In some implementations, when the water ejection pipe 400 is placedinside the lifting cover 210, the water ejection pipe 400 can ascend ordescend as the lifting cover 210 ascends or descends. In someimplementations, the water ejection pipe 400 may be rotated together asthe water ejection unit 20 is rotated, when the water ejection pipe 400is disposed inside the lifting cover 210.

The water ejection pipe 400 that is received inside the lifting cover210 may be disposed in an empty space provided below the lifting motor250 and the gear module 260.

Referring to the drawing, a gear module 260 is disposed at the rear ofthe lifting motor 250. That is, the lifting motor 250 is disposed infront of the gear module 260. Here, the rear may refer to a directionclose to the case 10.

Also, a space 211 is formed below the gear module 260, and the waterejection pipe 400 may be introduced into the inside of the lifting cover210 and connected to the water ejection nozzle 240 through this space211.

In some implementations, the gear module 260 includes a plurality ofgears. In addition, a motor gear 2502 is connected to the motor shaft2500 of the lifting motor 250. The gear module 260 can include a firstgear 2606, a second gear 2607, a third gear 2608, and a fourth gear2609. The first gear 2606, the second gear 2607, the third gear 2608,and the fourth gear 2609 may all be disposed at the rear of the liftingmotor 250. In addition, all of the first gear 2606, the second gear2607, the third gear 2608, and the fourth gear 2609 may be positionedabove the motor shaft 2500 of the lifting motor 250.

In some implementations, rotating shafts of the first gear 2606 and thesecond gear 2607 are positioned above the rotating shaft of the motorgear 2502 and may be positioned to be eccentric to one side. Here, ‘oneside’ refers to a direction in which the lifting gear 2006 is formed.

In some implementations, the rotating shafts of the third gear 2608 andthe fourth gear 2609 may be positioned above the rotating shafts of thefirst gear 2606 and the second gear 2607 and positioned to be eccentricto one side. Therefore, the lifting gear 2006 engaged with the fourthgear 2609 may be disposed on one side spaced apart from the center atthe maximum.

Accordingly, the larger space 211 in which the water ejection pipe 400is accommodated may be secured at a lower side of the gear module 260.

If the motor gear 2502 connected to the motor shaft 2500 of the liftingmotor 250 is directly engaged with the lifting gear 2006 to rotate or ifonly one gear is connected between the motor gear 2502 and the liftinggear 2006, it may be difficult to secure a space for disposing the gearas the gear increases. Meanwhile, when a plurality of gears areconnected between the motor gear 2502 and the lifting gear 2006 as inthe present disclosure, the size of the gears may be reduced and thegears may be installed only on one side, thereby facilitating securingof a space inside the lifting cover 210. For example, a space foraccommodating the water ejection pipe 400 may be secured.

In addition, when a plurality of gears are connected between the motorgear 2502 and the lifting gear 2006, a lifting speed may be finelyadjusted by utilizing a gear ratio. That is, it is easy to control thelifting speed of the lifting cover 210.

According to the present disclosure, the water ejection unit 20 can beconfigured to perform an elevating operation and a rotation operationwith respect to the case 10. The water ejection lifting covers 200 and210 that form an outer appearance of the water ejection unit 20 areformed to be convex forward so that the user may easily grip the waterejection unit 20. Therefore, a space may be created therein, and thelifting motor 250, the gear module 260, and the water ejection pipe 400may be accommodated in the space. For example, the lifting motor 250 maybe disposed at the center which is convex forward.

In some implementations, one side of the water ejection pipe 400 isreceived inside the lifting cover 210 and is connected to the waterejection nozzle 240. Also, the water ejection pipe 400 is disposedinside the rotator 220 through the water ejection recess 2014 formed atthe rear of the lifting cover 210 and the water ejection opening 2004formed at the rear of the fixed cover 200, and as a result, the waterejection pipe 400 is disposed inside the case 10.

For reference, the rotator 220 can include a through hole 221 (see FIG.12) that communicates with the water ejection opening 2004. Therefore,the water ejection pipe 400 passing through the water ejection recess2014 and the water ejection opening 2004 may be disposed inside therotator 220 and the case 10 through the through hole 221 (see FIG. 12).

In some implementations, the water ejection pipe 400 may be made of anelastic material, such as rubber or silicone, so as to be bent or spreadduring an elevating operation of the lifting cover 210.

In the above case, when the lifting cover 210 and the water ejectionnozzle 240 perform an elevating operation, the water ejection pipe 400is bent or spread in the space 211 of the lifting cover 210 tocorrespond to the elevating operation of the lifting cover 210, andfurther, cold water, purified water, and hot water may be supplied tothe water ejection nozzle 240 regardless of height of the lifting cover210 and the water ejection nozzle 240.

For example, when the lifting cover 210 and the water ejection nozzle240 perform the elevating operation, the water ejection pipe 400 may bebent or spread in the up-down direction in the space 211 of the liftingcover 210 to flexibly cope with the elevating operation of the liftingcover 210.

Referring to FIG. 9, a touch bar 610, which will be described later, isexposed to a bottom surface of the lifting cover 210. The touch bar 610may be exposed by a first height h1 before coming into contact with thewater receiving container 2. When the lifting cover 210 descends, thetouch bar 610 comes into contact with the water receiving container 2and the touch bar 610 ascends. In addition, a detection sensor can bedisposed above the touch bar 610, and detect the lifting of the touchbar 610 and a height of the water receiving container.

As described above, when the touch bar 610 comes into contact with thewater receiving container 2, the touch bar 610 ascends to be exposed tothe bottom surface of the lifting cover 210 by a second height h2smaller than the first height h1, before coming into contact with thewater receiving container 2.

FIG. 11 is a rear view illustrating that a water ejection pipe isdisposed at the water ejection unit of the water ejecting apparatusaccording to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 12 is a topview illustrating that a water ejection pipe is disposed at the waterejection unit of the water ejecting apparatus according to an embodimentof the present disclosure. Referring to FIGS. 11 to 12, the waterejection pipe 400 may include a first water ejection pipe 410 throughwhich hot water is ejected and a second water ejection pipe 420 throughwhich cold water and purified water are ejected.

The first water ejection pipe 410 and the second water ejection pipe 420are connected to one water ejection nozzle 240. In this embodiment, abridge 500 may be further included to connect the rotator 220 with thefixed cover 200 of the water ejection unit 20. The bridge 500 integrallyconnects the rotator 220 and the fixed cover 200. Both ends of thebridge 500 are fixed to the rotator 220 and the fixed cover 200.

The water ejection pipe 400 may enter the water ejection unit 20 fromthe case 10 through the space between the bridges 500. For example, thewater ejection pipe 400 inside the case 10 may enter the inside of thefixed cover 200 through the through hole 2203 of the rotator 220. Inaddition, the water ejection pipe 400 that enters the inside of thefixed cover 200 may enter the inside of the lifting cover 210 and may beconnected to the water ejection nozzle 240. With the configuration ofthe bridge 500, the rotator 220 and the fixed cover 200 may be spacedapart from each other by a length of the bridge 500.

In some implementations, a space S in which the water ejection pipe 400moves may be secured by a distance between the rotator 220 and the fixedcover 200. For example, when the lifting cover 210 ascends or descends,the water ejection pipe 400 is bent or spread so as to be changed inshape. Through the gap between the rotator 220 and the fixed cover 200,the space S in which the water ejection pipe 400 may move in thefront-rear direction (up-down direction in FIG. 12) is secured and thewater ejection pipe 400 may be deformed more easily.

In this embodiment, the first gear 2606 rotates in engagement with themotor gear 2502, and the second gear 2607 is coaxially disposed with thefirst gear 2606 and rotates in engagement with the third gear 2608. Inaddition, the fourth gear 2609 is coaxially disposed with the third gear2608, and rotates in engagement with the lifting gear 2006.

In some implementations, the first gear 2606 and the motor gear 2502,which rotate in engagement with each other, may be formed of differentmaterials. The second gear 2607 and the third gear 2608, which rotate inengagement with each other, may also be formed of different materials.The fourth gear 2609 and the lifting gear 2006, which rotate inengagement with each other, may also be formed of different materials.If the gears rotating in engagement with each other are formed of thesame material, adsorption based on friction may occur. However, if thegears that rotate in engagement with each other are formed ofheterogeneous materials rather than homogeneous materials as in thepresent disclosure, frictional adsorption may be prevented. In addition,noise may be prevented. In an example, at least one of the plurality ofgears described above may be formed of engineering plastic. As anotherexample, at least one of the plurality of gears described above may beformed of an elastomer material having rubber properties.

In some implementations, according to the present disclosure, the waterejection unit 20 may be rotated relative to the case 10 by the rotator220.

FIG. 13 illustrates plan views of a water ejection pipe in differentpositions depending on whether the water ejection nozzle ascends ordescends. FIG. 14 illustrates an example connection scheme of the waterejection nozzle and the water ejection pipe. FIG. 15 illustrates sideviews of the water ejection pipe in different positions depending onwhether the water ejection nozzle ascends or descends. FIG. 16 is aperspective view of an example coupling structure of the rotator and thewater ejection pipe.

Referring to the drawings, the rotator 220 has a cylindrical shapehaving a short height compared to a diameter thereof. The rotator 220includes an upper guide bracket 221 and a lower guide bracket 222 spacedapart from each other on the upper and lower portions. Also, a fasteningportion 2201 protrudes from an inner surface of the rotator 220, andfastening holes 2211 and 2221 are provided at intervals in acircumferential direction on the upper guide bracket 221 and the lowerguide bracket 222. A bolt or other suitable fastening element isinserted into the fastening portion 2201 through the fastening holes2211 and 2221 so that the upper and lower guide brackets 221 and 222 maybe fastened to the rotator 220.

In some implementations, a plurality of fastening hooks 2212 and 2222are provided along the circumference of the upper guide bracket 221 andthe lower guide bracket 222, and fastening protrusions 2202 may beprovided on the inner surface of the rotator 220. The fastening hooks2212 and 2222 and the fastening protrusions 2202 may be locked to eachother and serve to temporarily fix the upper guide bracket 221 and thelower guide bracket 222 when the upper guide bracket 221 and the lowerguide bracket 222 are coupled.

In some implementations, a circular upper center ring 2213 and a lowercenter ring 2223 are provided at the centers of the upper guide bracket221 and the lower guide bracket 222. The upper guide bracket 221 and thelower guide bracket 222 are formed such that an upper connection portion2214 and a lower connection portion 2224 horizontally extend from aninner surface toward the upper center ring 2213 and the lower centerring 2223, respectively. The upper center ring 2213 and the lower centerring 2223 are connected to and supported by the upper guide bracket 221and the lower guide bracket 222 by means of the upper connection portion2214 and the lower connection portion 2224. The upper and lowerconnection portions 2214 and 2224 are configured in a fan shape and havea plurality of through holes therein.

The upper center ring 2213 and the lower center ring 2223 can be used toinform an operator of an installation position of the water ejectionpipe 400 for delivering water. The upper center ring 2213 and the lowercenter ring 2223 are provided at the center of the rotator 220 andfunctions as a rotation center as the rotator 220 is rotated.

In some implementations, a T connector 430 may be provided at the uppercenter ring 2213 and the lower center ring 2223. A second water ejectionpipe 420 is connected to an opening 431 on one side of the T connector430, and extends toward the water ejection unit 20 and connected to thewater ejection nozzle 240. A cold water pipe 440 is connected to anupper portion of the other two sides (vertically upper and verticallylower openings) of the T connector 430, and a purified water pipe 450 isconnected to a lower portion of the other two sides of the T connector430. In some implementations, the purified water pipe 450 and the coldwater pipe 440 may each be connected to the T connector 430 by arotation pipe 460.

For example, the cold water pipe 440 and the purified water pipe 450pass through the upper center ring 2213 and the lower center ring 2223,respectively, and the T connector 430 is located in a space between theupper center ring 2213 and the lower center ring 2223. Accordingly, theT connector 430 may not be changed in position and always maintained ata uniform position. When the rotator 220 is rotated, the T connector 430may be rotated about the rotation pipe 460 as a shaft and twisting ofthe pipe forming a flow path for water ejection may be prevented.

A through hole 2203 is provided in the rotator 220 so that the waterejection pipe 400 may pass therethrough. Through the through hole 2203,the water ejection pipe 400 may extend to the inside of the waterejection unit 20 via the upper guide bracket 221 and the lower guidebracket 222 of the rotator 220. In some implementations, theconfiguration of the through hole 2203 may generate a predeterminedfixing force for holding the water ejection pipe 400, and the firstwater ejection pipe 410 and the second water ejection pipe 420 may beprevented from entangling or twisting while the water ejection unit 20rotates, ascends or descends.

In some implementations, the first water ejection pipe 410, which isconnected to the induction heating assembly 80 and supplied with hotwater, may be directly connected to the water ejection nozzle 240.Therefore, when hot water is ejected, the water in the hot water tankmay be immediately ejected and quality of the hot water is improved. Inembodiments where a flow path used for cold water or purified water isalso used for hot water, a temperature of hot water delivered shortlyafter cold water or purified water being dispensed may be lower than anintended temperature because the cold water or purified water remain inthe flow path. However, when the separate first water ejection pipe 410is connected to the water ejection nozzle 240, hot water of the hotwater tank may be supplied to the water ejection nozzle 240 withouttemperature loss.

In some implementations, unlike the cold water pipe 440 and the purifiedwater pipe 450, the first water ejection pipe 410 may be connected tothe water ejection nozzle 240 by way of the outside of the uppercentering ring 2213 and the lower center ring 2223 or may be connectedto the water ejection nozzle 240 by way of a separate fixed guideprovided outside the upper center ring 2213 and the lower center ring2223, rather than passing through the upper center ring 2213 and thelower center ring 2223.

According to the features described above, when the water ejection unit20 is rotated, the pipes 410, 420, 440, and 450 that form the flow pathfor water ejection may be prevented from being entangled or twisted.

FIG. 13(a) shows an example position of the second water ejection pipe420, which is used to deliver cold water and purified water, as thelifting cover 210 descends. FIG. 13(b) shows an example position of thesecond water ejection pipe 420 as the lifting cover 210 ascends.

Referring to FIGS. 13 and 14, the second water ejection pipe 420 isconnected to the opening 431 on one side of the T connector 430. Forexample, one side of the T connector 430 is connected to a connectionpipe 432 which is connected and bent in a horizontal direction, and theconnection pipe 432 has the opening 431 for connecting the second waterejection pipe 420. For example, the connection pipe 432 may be bent inan L shape.

In some implementations, the T connector 430, or the opening 431 on oneside of the connection pipe 432, is formed to face in the horizontaldirection. For example, one side of the second water ejection pipe 420that is connected to the opening 431 of the T connector 430 has a bentshape corresponding to an inner circumferential surface of the rotator220. That is, the second water ejection pipe 420 is bent in thehorizontal direction inside the rotator 220.

In some implementations, the second water ejection pipe 420 isconfigured to have and secure a length sufficient to cope with therotation and elevating operation of the water ejection unit 20. Withthis configuration, when the water ejection unit 20 rotates, the secondwater ejection pipe 420 can rotate together with the rotator 220 withoutdeformation of the second water ejection pipe 420, and thus cold waterand purified water may be easily ejected through the second waterejection pipe 420.

When the lifting cover 210 descends, the second water ejection pipe 420is pulled downward. For example, the second water ejection pipe 420 thatis bent inside the rotator 220 may be spread out. As the lifting cover210 descends, the second water ejection pipe 420 is spread orstraightened (e.g., changing from the state of FIG. 13(b) to the stateof FIG. 13(a)), and also descended (e.g., pulled down) along with thewater ejection nozzle 240.

In some implementations, as the T connector 430 rotates close to thewater ejection unit 20, the second water ejection pipe 420 may belowered along with the water ejection nozzle 240 more easily. Forexample, the T connector 430 may rotate about the rotation pipe 460.

Also, as the lifting cover 210 descends, the second water ejection pipe420 is pulled downward and the T connector 430 may rotate close to thewater ejection unit 20 (clockwise in FIG. 13). That is, as the liftingcover 210 descends, the second water ejection pipe 420 is spread and theT connector 430 rotates from the state of FIG. 13(b) to the state ofFIG. 13(a) by a corresponding force. As a result, a descending distanceof the second water ejection pipe 420 is increased and the descendingoperation of the second water ejection pipe 420 may be more easilyperformed.

As the lifting cover 210 ascends, the second water ejection pipe 420 canbe pushed upward. For example, the second water ejection pipe 420 may bebent inside the rotator 220. As the lifting cover 210 ascends, thesecond water ejection pipe 420 becomes bent (e.g., changing from thestate of FIG. 13(a) to the state of FIG. 13(b), and also ascended alongwith the water ejection nozzle 240. In addition, while the T connector430 rotates away from the water ejection unit 20, the second waterejection pipe 420 may be easily elevated along the water ejection nozzle240. For example, the T connector 430 may rotate about the rotation pipe460.

Also, as the lifting cover 210 ascends, the second water ejection pipe420 is pushed upward and the T connector 430 may rotate away from thewater ejection unit 20 (in a counterclockwise direction in FIG. 13).That is, when the lifting cover 210 ascends, the second water ejectionpipe 420 is bent and the T connector 430 rotates from the state of FIG.13(a) to the state of FIG. 13(b) by a corresponding force. As a result,a rising distance of the second water ejection pipe 420 is increased,and the rising operation of the second water ejection pipe 420 may bemore easily performed.

FIG. 15(a) shows the first water ejection pipe 410 that ejects hot waterwhen the lifting cover 210 is in a descended position. FIG. 15(b) showsthe first water ejection pipe 410 that ejects hot water when the liftingcover 210 is in an ascended position. Referring to the drawings, thefirst water ejection pipe 410 is bent in the up-down direction. Forexample, the first water ejection pipe 410 extends from the lower sideto the upper side inside the case 10, passes from the rotator 220 to thewater ejection unit 20 side, and is then bent to be convex upward. Then,after being accommodated inside the water ejection unit 20, the firstwater ejection pipe 410 is connected to the water ejection nozzle 240.

Referring to FIG. 15(b), it can be seen that, in a state where thelifting cover 210 ascends, the first water ejection pipe 410 is bent tobe convex upward, and an uppermost end 410 a is adjacent to an upper endof the rotator 220. For example, the first water ejection pipe 410 isconfigured to have and secure a length sufficient to correspond to oraccommodate the rotation and elevating operation of the water ejectionunit 20. With this configuration, when the water ejection unit 20 movesup and down and the lifting cover 210 descends, the first water ejectionpipe 410 is pulled downward.

For example, the first water ejection pipe 410 that is bent inside therotator may be spread. As the lifting cover 210 descends, the firstwater ejection pipe 410 is spread out (e.g., changing from the state ofFIG. 15(b) to the state of FIG. 15(a)) and also descended (e.g., pulleddown) along the water ejection nozzle 240. As the first water ejectionpipe is spread based on the lifting cover 210 descending, the uppermostend 410 b of the first water ejection pipe 410 is lowered to be adjacentto the lower end of the rotator 220.

As the lifting cover 210 ascends during the elevating operation of thewater ejection unit 20, the first water ejection pipe 410 is pushedupward. For example, the first water ejection pipe 410 may be furtherbent upward from the inside of the rotator 220. As the lifting cover 210ascends, the first water ejection pipe 410 is further bent to be convexupward (e.g., changing from a state FIG. 15(a) to a state of FIG. 15(b))and also ascended along with the water ejection nozzle 240. When thefirst water ejection pipe 410 is bent based on the lifting cover 210ascending as described above, the uppermost end 410 a of the first waterejection pipe 410 ascends to be adjacent to the upper end of the rotator220.

According to the present disclosure, as described above, the first waterejection pipe 410 and the second water ejection pipe 420 may be made ofan elastic material, and a space in which the first water ejection pipe410 and the second water ejection pipe 420 can be bent and spread isprovided inside the water ejection lifting covers 200 and 210 and therotator 220. Therefore, changes in length of the first water ejectionpipe 410 and the second water ejection pipe 420 may be effectivelybuffered or compensated during the rotation and elevating operation ofthe lifting cover 210. Accordingly, it is possible to flexibly cope withthe rotation operation and the elevating operation of the lifting cover210, and as a result, the elevating and rotation operations of thelifting cover 210 and the water ejection nozzle 240 may be smoothlyperformed.

<Guide to Elevating Operation>

In some instances, when the lifting cover 210 performs an elevatingoperation along the fixed cover 200, the lifting cover 210 may wobble orthe elevating operation of the lifting cover 210 may be unstable due toclearance. For example, when the lifting cover 210 moves downward, thelifting cover 210 and the fixed cover 200 are gradually separated, andaccordingly, as the clearance increases, causing a bending phenomenonand a wobbling phenomenon.

According to the present disclosure, a guide unit is provided foreliminating the clearance so that the lifting cover 210 performs anelevating operation linearly along the fixed cover 200. For example,where an elevating length (stroke distance) of the lifting cover 210 islonger, it is necessary to further reduce the clearance between thelifting cover 210 and the fixed cover 200.

FIGS. 17 to 18 are front views showing that the lifting cover moves upand down while the guide bar is attached to the fixed cover. FIG. 19 isan exploded perspective view of a water ejection unit equipped with aguide bar. FIG. 20 is a rear perspective view of a water ejection unitequipped with a guide. Referring to FIGS. 17 to 20, a guide bar 710 maybe mounted to the fixed cover 200. The guide bar 710 may be mounted on arear surface of the fixed cover 200. For example, the rear surface ofthe fixed cover 200 may refer to the first plate 2000. The rear surfaceof the fixed cover 200 is coupled to the rotator 220. A rack-shapedlifting gear 2006 is provided at the rear adjacent to the rotator 220inside the fixed cover 200. The lifting gear 2006 may be integrallyformed with the rear surface of the fixed cover 200. Alternatively, thelifting gear 2006 may be provided as a separate member and coupled tothe rear surface of the fixed cover 200. In the latter case, the liftinggear 2006 may be provided on one side of the third plate 2005, and thethird plate 2005 may be coupled to an inside of the fixed cover 200.

With the configuration of the guide bar 710, clearance in a horizontaldirection during the vertical movement of the lifting cover 210 may beimproved.

In some implementations, the guide bar 710 may be made of a metalmaterial. In some implementations, the guide bar 710 may be formed in acylindrical shape. In some implementations, the guide bar 710 may beconfigured to face the lifting gear 2006 that is disposed on the fixedcover 200. In some implementations, the guide bar 710 may be disposed onboth sides.

Therefore, during the elevating operation of the lifting cover 210, bothsides of the lifting cover 210 are supported in contact with each otherat the uppermost end and lowermost end, whereby the elevating operationof the lifting cover 210 may be maintained linearly. That is, with theconfiguration of the guide bar 710 as described above, when the liftingcover 210 is positioned at the uppermost and lowermost ends, clearanceremains the same and the elevating operation of the lifting cover 210 ismaintained in a straight line without wobbling.

An upper end of the guide bar 710 may be fixed to an upper end of theother side of the third plate 2005 (left side in FIG. 18). In addition,a lower end of the guide bar 710 may be fixed to a lower end of theother side at the rear of the fixed cover 200 (left side in FIG. 18).

Further, a fourth plate 2005 a (see FIG. 19) that extends in ahorizontal direction may be provided at an upper end of the third plate2005. In some implementations, the fourth plate 2005 a includes a guidebar mounting recess 2005 b which is concave upward on the bottomsurface. In some implementations, the upper end of the guide bar 710 maybe inserted and fixed to the guide bar mounting recess 2005 b. When thefourth gear 2609 ascends, the third plate 2005 may also function as astopper that prevents the fourth gear 2609 from further ascending from atop dead point of the fourth gear 2609.

In some implementations, a guide bar mounting protrusion 2000 a which isconvex forward is provided at a lower end of the rear surface of thefixed cover 200. Also, the guide bar mounting protrusion 2000 a caninclude a guide bar mounting recess 2000 b concave downward from anupper surface thereof. Further, a lower end of the guide bar 710 may beinserted into and fixed to the guide bar mounting recess 2000 b.

In some implementations, a guide bar passage hole through which theguide bar 710 passes may be provided in the lifting cover 210.Therefore, when the lifting cover 210 ascends in a state where the guidebar 710 is inserted in the guide bar passage hole, the elevatingoperation of the lifting cover may be guided linearly by the guide bar710.

For example, an auxiliary protrusion 2610 that protrudes backward may beprovided in the gear bracket 2600 through which the guide bar 710passes. In addition, guide bar passage holes 2613 and 2614 through whichthe guide bars 710 pass may be provided in the auxiliary protrusions2610. The auxiliary protrusion 2610 may be provided in plurality, andthe plurality of auxiliary protrusions 2610 may be spaced apart fromeach other in the up-down direction. For example, the auxiliaryprotrusions 2610 may include an upper auxiliary protrusion 2611 and alower auxiliary protrusion 2612. In addition, guide bar passage holes2613 and 2614 may be provided in the auxiliary protrusions 2611 and2612, respectively. Therefore, clearance between the fixed cover 200 andthe lifting cover 210 may be more reliably eliminated.

In some implementations, anti-friction members 2615 and 2616 that reducefriction between the guide bar 710 and the auxiliary protrusions 2611and 2612 may be inserted into the guide bar passage holes 2613 and 2614,respectively. Therefore, the elevating operation of the lifting cover210 may be performed more smoothly.

When the guide bar 710 is provided as described above, one side of thelifting cover 210 may be in contact with and supported by the guide bar710, and the other side of the lifting cover 210 may be in contact withand supported by the lifting gear 2006. Therefore, as both sides of thelifting cover 210 are in contact with and supported by the fixed cover200, clearance between the fixed cover 200 and the lifting cover 210 ismore reliably removed, and as the lifting cover 210 ascends and descendslinearly in the up-down direction, the elevating operation of thelifting cover 210 may be stably performed.

In some implementations, the third plate 2005 may include an anti-wobblerecess 2005 f extending in the up-down direction on an outer surface ofone side on which the lifting gear 2006 is formed. In someimplementations, the gear bracket 2600 may be configured such thatanti-wobble protrusions 2618 and 2619 protruding inward from the rearare formed on an upper side and a lower side and spaced apart from eachother so as to be inserted into the anti-wobble recess 2005 f. Theanti-wobble protrusions 2618 and 2819 may be provided on opposite sidesof the auxiliary protrusions 2611 and 2612, respectively. When theanti-wobble protrusions 2618 and 2619 are inserted into the anti-wobblerecess 2005 f as described above, wobbling in the front-rear directionmay be prevented when the gear bracket 2600 and the lifting cover 210move up and down.

In some implementations, the third plate 2005 may function as ananti-water splash barrier to prevent water from entering the rotator 220through the water ejection opening 2004 or the like. To this end, thethird plate 2005 may be provided to cover at least a portion of thewater ejection opening 2004 and the through hole 2203.

For reference, reference numeral ‘281’ in FIGS. 18 and 20 denotes ‘gearcover’ covering the gear module 260, and reference numeral ‘282’ denotes‘motor cover’ covering the lifting motor 250.

Hereinafter, an example assembly procedure of the gear bracket 2600, theguide bar 710, the first plate 2000, and the third plate 2005 will bedescribed. First, the guide bar 710 can be coupled with the gear bracket2600. For example, the guide bar 710 is fitted to the guide bar passageholes 2613 and 2614 of the auxiliary protrusions 2611 and 2612 formed atthe rear of the gear bracket 2600. Thereafter, the guide bar 710 coupledwith the gear bracket 2600 is fixed to the first plate 2000. Forexample, the guide bar 710 coupled with the gear bracket 2600 is movedfrom the upper side to the lower side, and a lower end of the guide bar710 is fitted into the guide bar mounting recess 2000 b of the guide barmounting protrusion 2000 a. Thereafter, an upper side of the guide bar710 and the third plate 2005 are connected. For example, the fourth gear2609 and the lifting gear 2006 are engaged to move the third plate 2005from the upper side to the lower side. Then, the upper end of the guidebar 710 is inserted into and fixed to the guide bar mounting recess 2000b of the fourth plate 2005 a. Thereafter, fastening holes 2617 formed atpositions corresponding to both sides of the gear bracket 2600 and bothsides of the lifting cover 210 are fastened with screws, bolts, or othersuitable fastening elements to fix the gear bracket 2600 and the liftingcover 210. Accordingly, the guide bar 710 is fixed to the first plate2000 and the third plate 2005, and the gear bracket 2600 may come intocontact with and supported by the guide bar 710 so as to be guided.

<Reinforcing Structure of Lifting Gear>

In some instances, as the lifting cover 210 moves up and down along thefixed cover 200, a repetitive load may be applied to the lifting gear2006 to cause the rod-shaped lifting gear 2006 to be bent to bedeformed. Therefore, the lifting gear 2006 needs to be reinforced so asnot to be bent or deformed even if it is repeatedly used for a longtime. For example, where an elevating length (stroke distance) of thelifting cover 210 is longer, it is necessary to further reinforce thelifting gear 2006 so as not to be bent or deformed.

FIG. 21 is a front perspective view of the third plate. FIG. 22 is afront view of a portion of the third plate. First, in order to reinforcethe lifting gear 2006, a reinforcing recess 2005 d formed to be concaveat the vertical extending portion 2005 c provided with the lifting gear2006 or a reinforcing hole penetrating a vertical extending portion 2005c may be provided.

For example, the reinforcing recess 2005 d may be concave from the frontto the rear in the vertical extending portion 2005 c. In someimplementations, the reinforcing recess 2005 d may be provided inplurality and the plurality of reinforcing recesses 2005 d may be spacedapart from each other in the up-down direction and may be arranged in aline. Further, the reinforcing recess 2005 d may be provided in acircular shape when viewed from the front. In some implementations, thereinforcing recess 2005 d may be arranged at the same interval as theinterval between gear teeth of the lifting gear 2006. In someimplementations, the center of the reinforcing recess 2005 d may bedisposed to be aligned with the highest portion of the gear teethconfiguring the lifting gear 2006, i.e., the center of the thread ridge2006 a, in a horizontal direction. That is, the center of thereinforcing recess 2005 d and the center of the thread ridge 2006 a ofthe gear teeth configuring the lifting gear 2006 may be formed at thesame height.

In some implementations, the vertical extending portion 2005 c may forma plate-shaped reinforcing plate 2006 b on one side of the lifting gear2006. The reinforcing plate 2006 b may be provided at a portion facingthe fourth gear 2609. For example, the fourth gear 2609 may be locatedon the front side of the lifting gear 2006 and may be engaged with gearteeth configuring the lifting gear 2006, and the reinforcing plate 2006b may be positioned on the rear side of the lifting gear 2006.

On one side of the vertical extending portion 2005 c, a gear teeth thatconfigures the lifting gear 2006 is provided to be concave backward by apredetermined height on the front side to provide the lifting gear 2006,and a rear surface without the gear teeth may be provided as areinforcing plate 2006 b.

Where the reinforcing plate 2006 b is configured as described above, thevertical extending portion 2005 c provided with the lifting gear 2006 isreinforced to minimize damage to the gear teeth and deflection of thevertical extending portion 2005 c.

Further, the third plate 2005 may have a screw fastening hole 2005 e inthe up-down direction. In some implementations, a screw fastening hole(not shown) may be formed in the third plate 2005 in the verticaldirection and communicate with the screw fastening hole. Then, where thethird plate 2005 is coupled, a screw may be fastened through the screwfastening hole 2005 e exposed to the upper side of the third plate 2005to fix the first plate 2000 to the third plate 2005.

FIG. 23 shows an example result of experimenting a degree of deflectiondeformation of the lifting gear before machining a reinforcing recess.FIG. 24 shows an example result of experimenting a degree of deflectiondeformation of the lifting gear after machining the reinforcing recess.

In comparing between the results of FIGS. 23 and 24, it can be seen thatthe degree of deflection deformation of the vertical extending portion2005 c provided with the lifting gear 2006 is significantly low afterthe reinforcing recess 2005 d is machined, as compared with the degreeof deflection deformation of the vertical extending portion 2005 cprovided with the lifting gear 2006 before the reinforcing recess 2005 dis machined.

That is, in the present disclosure, the vertical extending portion maybe reinforced by machining the reinforcing recess 2005 d in the verticalextending portion 2005 c provided with the lifting gear 2006, therebyminimizing deflection deformation of the vertical extending portion 2005c.

Meanwhile, the lifting motors and gears, which are the main parts forthe automatic elevating of the water ejection nozzle and the liftingcover, cause operational noise. Noise of the lifting motor decreases asthe RPM decreases, while noise of the gears are caused by variousfactors such as a friction area, a rotation speed, and a gear shape.

According to the present disclosure, noise occurrence may be reduced byforming the gears in contact with each other with different materialsand by forming the first gear with a material having good tensileelongation.

<Lighting Output Structure>

In some instances, where the water ejection lifting covers 200 and 210and the water ejection nozzle 240 are configured to move up and down androtate as described above, the user may act unconsciously duringmovement of the water ejection lifting covers 200 and 210 and the waterejection nozzle 240, thereby causing an interference between the waterejection lifting covers 200 and 210 and the water ejection nozzle 240.This may result in an injury to the user or an accident in which partsof the water ejecting apparatus parts damaged. Therefore, where thewater ejection lifting covers 200 and 210 and the water ejection nozzle240 are configured to move up and down and rotate, it may be necessaryto display movement of the water ejection lifting covers 200 and 210 andthe water ejection nozzle 240 so that the user may visually reliablyrecognize the movement of the water ejection lifting covers 200 and 210and the water ejection nozzle 240.

As described below, a light source 212 may be set to be turned onimmediately when the user presses a water ejection button. In someimplementations, the light source 212 may be set to be turned onimmediately when the lifting cover 210 starts a descending operationfrom the initial position. In some implementations, the light source 212may be set to be turned off when the lifting cover 210 ascends to reachthe initial position, while maintained in an ON state.

FIG. 25 is a front perspective view of the water ejecting apparatus withthe lighting output. FIG. 26 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of awater ejection unit having a lighting output function. FIG. 27 is abottom view of a light source PCB. FIG. 28 is a perspective view of alifting cover equipped with a diffusion member. Referring to FIGS. 25 to28, the water ejection unit 20 includes a light source 212 providedinside the lifting cover 210 and provided above the water ejectionnozzle 240 to output light downward and a protective plate 214 providedbelow the light source 212 and protecting the light source 212 fromwater flowing to the water ejection nozzle 240.

In some implementations, the light source 212 may output light of onecolor. In some implementations, the light source 212 may be provided inplurality. In some implementations, the light source 212 may output atleast two colors of light. In some implementations, the light source 212may be provided as an LED. For example, the light source 212 may includea first LED 212 a outputting blue and a second LED 212 b outputtingwhite.

When a plurality of light sources 212 are provided as described above,different colors of light may be output to inform the user according tosituations. For example, when water is ejected to the water ejectionnozzle 240, the first LED 212 a may be turned on and blue light may beoutput to the vicinity of the water ejection nozzle 240. Therefore, theuser may see blue light from the outside of the water ejecting apparatusand recognize that water is ejected from the water ejection nozzle 240.

As a modification, the first LEDs 212 a may be provided in plurality andthe plurality of LEDs 212 a may output blue and red. Also, the first LED212 a may output different colors according to types of ejected water.

In some implementations, the second LED 212 b may be turned on when thewater ejection lifting covers 200 and 210 are rotated or when thelifting cover 210 performs an elevating operation in order to outputwhite light to the vicinity of the water ejection nozzle 240.Accordingly, the user may see the white light from the outside of thewater ejecting apparatus and recognize that the water ejection liftingcovers 200 and 210 are moving.

In some implementations, the light source 212 may be used as moodlighting. In some implementations, the lifting cover 210 may be providedwith a diffusion member 213 formed of a light-transmissive material at alower end thereof, and light output from the light source 212 is exposedto the vicinity of the water ejection nozzle 240 through the diffusionmember 213. At least a portion of the diffusion member 213 may beaccommodated inside the lifting cover 210, and the other portion may beexposed to the outside of the lifting cover 210. The diffusion member213 may be provided near the water ejection nozzle 240. In someimplementations, at least a portion of the diffusion member 213 may beexposed to a bottom surface of the lifting cover 210. In addition oralternatively, at least a portion of the diffusion member 213 may beexposed to a side surface of the lifting cover 210. In someimplementations, the diffusion member 213 may be made of a materialobtained by mixing transparent plastic and a diffusion pigment.

In this case, the diffusion member 213 may simply allow light outputfrom the light source 212 to pass therethrough and diffuse the light sothat diffused light may pass therethrough. That is, the diffusion member213 may function as a diffuser for LED lighting.

At least a portion of the lower end of the lifting cover 210 may form aclearance with the water ejection nozzle 240, and the diffusion member213 may be fitted into the clearance.

The diffusion member 213 may include a diffusion plate 2132 having aconvex shape forward (left side in FIG. 26) so as to be in contact withan inner surface of the lifting cover 210 and a diffusion projection2131 extending outward along a circumference of a lower end of thediffusion plate 2132.

The circumference of the lower end of the diffusion plate 2132 can havea convex shape in the front (refer to the left side of FIG. 26) tocontact the inner surface of the lifting cover 210. It may include adiffusion protrusion 2131 extending outward. For example, the diffusionprojection 2131 may be exposed to the outside of the lifting cover 210.Therefore, light output from the light source 212 mounted on the bottomsurface of the light source PCB 215 disposed inside the lifting cover210 may be exposed to the outside of the lifting cover 210 through thediffusion plate 2132 and the diffusion projection 2131.

In some implementations, a step portion 2133 formed to be concave as acurved surface at an inner corner portion and extending along an innercircumference of the diffusion plate 2132 may be provided at an upperend of the diffusion plate 2132. For example, at least a portion of thelight source 212 may be disposed to overlap the step portion 2133.Specifically, at least a portion of the light source 212 may be arrangedto overlap the step portion 2133 in the up-down direction and may bearranged to overlap the step portion 2133 in the left-right direction.Accordingly, light output from the light source 212 may be more reliablytransferred to the diffusion plate 2132 and the diffusion projection2131 through the step portion 2133.

In some implementations, the light source PCB 215 may be disposed insidethe lifting cover 210. In some implementations, the light source 212 maybe mounted on a bottom surface of the light source PCB 215. An upperframe 216 on which the light source PCB 215 is seated may be provided atan upper portion of the water ejection nozzle 240.

In some implementations, light output from the light source 212 may beoutput through the diffusion member 213 to the lower end of the liftingcover 210. For example, the light source 212 may be set to be turned ononly when water is ejected through the water ejection nozzle 240. Asanother example, the light source 212 may be set to be turned on onlywhen the water ejection lifting covers 200 and 210 and the waterejection nozzle 240 rotate or move. Accordingly, when water ejection isperformed or when the water ejection lifting covers 200 and 210 and thewater ejection nozzle 240 move, the user may easily recognize thecorresponding state.

The purpose of providing the light source 212 is to inform the user ofthe water ejection state or whether the water ejection unit performs anelevating operation or a rotational operation. Accordingly, light outputfrom the light source 212 must have a degree of brightness allowing theuser to recognize the light when the light is exposed to the outside ofthe lifting cover 210 through the diffusion member 213 after beingoutput from the light source 212.

Referring to FIG. 26, a chamber 217 may be further provided above thewater ejection nozzle 240 and provided below the protective plate 214 totransfer water introduced through the water ejection pipe 400 to thewater ejection nozzle 240. Accordingly, cold water, purified water, andhot water introduced through the water ejection pipe 400 may passthrough the chamber 217 and may then be released to the outside of thewater ejection nozzle 240.

In some implementations, the water ejection nozzle 240 may include aninner member 242 having a hollow 241 provided inside thereof to allowwater to be discharged therethrough and an outer member 243 connected toan outer lower end of the inner member 242 and exposed to the outside ofthe lifting cover 210.

For example, a chamber 217 communicating with the hollow 241 may beprovided above the inner member 242. The chamber 217 has a largerdiameter than the hollow 241.

In some implementations, a plurality of ribs 244 protruding toward thecenter may be provided along a water ejection direction on an innersurface of the hollow 241. The ribs 244 maintains a shape of a stream ofwater and improves vortices.

In some implementations, the outer member 243 may be made of a stainlessmaterial. When the outer member 243 that is exposed to the outside ofthe lifting cover 210 is made of a stainless material, the outer member243 does not rust so as to be hygiene and damage and deformation thatoccurs when frequently used may be prevented.

In some implementations, the inner member 242 and the outer member 243may be integrally injection-molded. For example, the outer member 243may be formed of a metal material, and the inner member 242 and theouter member 243 may be integrally formed by an insert injection moldingmethod. Therefore, a coupling force between the inner member 242 and theouter member 243 is increased to prevent leakage. In addition, the innermember 242 and the outer member 243 may be easily manufactured ascompared with an existing assembling method.

<Touch Bar Structure>

FIG. 29 is a partially cut perspective view of a lifting cover. FIG. 30is a perspective view of a detection sensor. FIG. 31 is a perspectiveview of a touch bar. FIG. 32 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view ofthe lifting cover when the touch bar is in a descended position. FIG. 33is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the lifting cover when thetouch bar is in an ascended position. FIG. 34 is a bottom view of thelifting cover.

In the water ejecting apparatus according to the present disclosure, thelifting cover 210 has a function of being automatically elevated. Forexample, when the user places a water receiving container under thewater ejection nozzle 240 and presses the water ejection button, thelifting cover 210 descends and detects a height of the water receivingcontainer, before water ejection is performed. Then, water is ejected ina state where the lifting cover 210 descends adjacent to the height ofthe water receiving container.

In some implementations, the lifting cover 210 includes a detection unit600. For example, the detection unit 600 may detect the water receivingcontainer in a contact manner. As another example, the detection unit600 may detect the height of the water receiving container in anon-contact manner.

Hereinafter, an embodiment in which the detection unit 600 detects theheight of the water receiving container in a contact manner will bedescribed.

The detection unit 600 may include a touch bar 610 exposed to a lowersurface of the lifting cover 210 and disposed on the virtual line L1connecting the center of the case 10 of the water ejection nozzle 240.The touch bar 610 may be provided in the front-rear direction, with thewater ejection unit 20 positioned at the center.

In some implementations, the touch bar 610 may be provided to be movablein the up-down direction. The touch bar 610 may be installed to appearor disappear downward from the lifting cover 210, while elevatingvertically inside the lifting cover 210. For example, the touch bar 610may be disposed on the virtual line L1 connecting the center of thewater ejection nozzle 240 and the center of the rotator 220 and may beexposed in a straight shape on the bottom surface of the lifting cover210.

In some implementations, the touch bar 610 may be provided in the entiresection between the water ejection nozzle 240 and the lower front cover1000.

A slit hole 218 is provided to be open on a lower surface of the liftingcover 210 and at least a portion of the touch bar 610 may be exposedthrough the slit hole 218.

In some implementations, a through hole 219 may be provided on the lowersurface of the lifting cover 210 to allow the water ejection nozzle 240to pass therethrough. For example, one side of the slit hole 218 maycommunicate with the through hole 219. Further, the other side of theslit hole 218 may extend to the other end of the lower surface of thelifting cover 210. The other end of the slit hole 218 has an open shape.

In some implementations, a length of the touch bar 610 exposed throughthe slit hole 218 may be greater than a length of the slit hole 218.

As described above, as the touch bar 610 is elongated, the touch bar 610may detect a height of any water receiving container placed between thewater ejection nozzle 240 and the flat portion 1002 of the front cover100.

In some implementations, the lifting cover 210 may include a side wall219 a extending upward along the periphery of the through hole 219. Withthe configuration of the side wall 219 a, the periphery of the waterejection nozzle 240 may be surrounded and the water ejection nozzle 240may be fixed more reliably.

In some implementations, reinforcing protrusions 2121 and 2191 (see FIG.34) extending downward may be provided in the vicinity of the throughholes 219 and the slit hole 218 on the bottom surface of the liftingcover 210.

When the lifting cover 210 descends, the reinforcing protrusions 2181and 2191 (see FIG. 34) first comes into contact with the water receivingcontainer 2 before the bottom surface of the lifting cover 210. And, asa contact area between the water receiving container 2 and the liftingcover 210 is significantly reduced by the reinforcing protrusions 2181,2191, a risk of bacterial infection or the like decreases, and as aresult, hygiene may be improved.

In some implementations, the touch bar 610 may be mounted to berotatable or elevated on the lifting cover 210. For example, the touchbar 610 may move up and down, while rotating with respect to the liftingcover 210.

The touch bar 610 may include a rotating shaft 611 rotatably coupled tothe lifting cover 210. Further, a pair of rotating shaft coupling parts2110 may be spaced apart from each other in the front-rear direction onthe bottom surface of the lifting cover 210 and protruding upward sothat the rotating shaft 611 may be rotatably fitted thereto. Therotating shaft coupling part 2110 may have a rotating shaft couplinghole 2111 into which the rotating shaft 611 is inserted. Therefore, therotating shaft 611 may be inserted into the rotating shaft coupling hole2111 and rotated.

In some implementations, the rotating shaft 611 may be formed inparallel to the touch bar 610. The touch bar 610 may be connected to therotating shaft 611 by connection portions 612 and 613. The connectionportions 612 and 613 may include a vertical connection portion 612extending upward from an upper side of the touch bar 610 and ahorizontal connection portion 613 extending in a horizontal direction toconnect the upper side of the vertical connection portion 612 to therotating shaft 611.

The horizontal connection portion 613 may have a plurality of slits 615concavely cut in a direction perpendicular to the rotating shaft 611 sothat the rotating shaft 611 may be more easily inserted into therotating shaft coupling hole 2111. With the configuration of the slit615, an interval between both ends of the rotating shaft 611 is narrowedand then expanded so as to be more easily inserted into the rotatingshaft coupling hole 2111.

In some implementations, the touch bar 610 may have a flat end portionfacing the flat portion 1002. In some implementations, the touch bar 610may include a step portion 6101 disposed at an end facing the waterejection nozzle 240. The step portion 6101 is provided in the form of astaircase. With the configuration of the step portion 6101, an area inwhich the end of the touch bar 610 and the water ejection nozzle 240 arelocated and face each other may be minimized, and when the touch bar 610performs a rotation and elevating operation, a situation where the endof the touch bar 610 is in contact with the water ejection nozzle 240 soas to be interfered may be prevented in advance. Further, the length ofthe touch bar 610 exposed to the outside may elongate as much aspossible to detect the height of any water receiving container disposedbetween the water ejection nozzle 240 and the flat portion 1002.

Referring to FIG. 32, the touch bar 610 can descend by self-weight. Inthis state, the horizontal connection portion 613 and the verticalconnection portion 612 form an ‘L’ shape.

When the lifting cover 210 descends and the touch bar 610 comes intocontact with the upper end of the water receiving container 2, the touchbar 610 ascends. For example, as shown in FIG. 33, the touch bar 610rotates about the rotating shaft 611 and ascends by a predeterminedheight.

In some implementations, the touch bar 610 needs to be reduced in weightso as to react more sensitively when coming into contact with the upperend of the water receiving container 2. Accordingly, at least onelightweight hole 616 for weight reduction may be provided at thehorizontal connection portion 613 of the touch bar 610.

As described above, when the touch bar 610 comes into contact with theupper end of the water receiving container 2 and ascends, it isnecessary to detect the rise of the touch bar and to stop a descendingoperation of the lifting cover 210.

In some implementations, a detection sensor 620 that includes atransmitting portion 621 and a receiving portion 622 may be mountedabove the touch bar 610. The detection sensor 620 may provide a space623 between the transmitting portion 621 and the receiving portion 622.In some implementations, the transmitting portion 621 and the receivingportion 622 are arranged to face each other in order to exchangesignals. For example, the transmitting portion 621 and the receivingportion 622 may exchange optical signals. As another example, thetransmitting portion 621 and the receiving portion 622 may exchangeinfrared (IR) signals. As another example, the detection sensor 620 maybe provided as a photo interrupt sensor. Here, the detection sensor 620may detect the touch bar 610 in a contact manner or a non-contactmanner.

In some implementations, at least a portion of the detection sensor 620may be made of a material allowing infrared rays to be transmittedtherethrough. For example, a cover of the detection sensor 620 may bemade of a PC material having high permeability. Further, a blockingportion 614 disposed between the transmitting portion 621 and thereceiving portion 622 may be made of an opaque ABS material having lowlight transmittance.

In some implementations, the touch bar 610 may be provided with theblocking portion 614 which ascends when the touch bar 610 ascends and isaccommodated in the space 623 provided between the transmitting portion621 and the receiving portion 622 to prevent a signal from thetransmitting portion 621 from being received by the receiving portion622.

When the touch bar 610 descends, the blocking portion 614 may descend toescape from the space 623 formed between the transmitting portion 621and the receiving portion 622. Here, the signal of the transmittingportion 621 may be received by the receiving portion 622.

In some implementations, the connection portions 612 and 613 of thetouch bar 610 may have a shelter portion 617 formed to be concave toaccommodate either the transmitting portion 621 or the receiving portion622. The shelter portion 617 may be configured to be concave in adirection of the rotating shaft 611. The shelter portion 617 may beshaped to be concave downward.

When a signal transmitted from the transmitting portion 621 is receivedby the receiving portion 622, the controller 90 may determine that thetouch bar 610 does not ascend, and as a result, the controller 90 maydetermine that the touch bar 610 is not in contact with the upper end ofthe water receiving container. That is, when the lifting cover 210descends, the controller 90 may determine that the lifting cover 210 hasnot yet approached the water receiving container and maintain descendingoperation of the lifting cover 210.

If the signal transmitted from the transmitting portion 621 is notreceived by the receiving portion 622, the controller 90 may determinethat the touch bar 610 ascends and the blocking portion 614 ascends tobe accommodated in the space 623 provided between the transmittingportion 621 and the receiving portion 622. That is, the controller 90may determine that the touch bar 610 is in contact with the upper end ofthe water receiving container 2. Furthermore, the controller 90 maydetermine that, when the lifting cover 210 descends, the lifting cover210 approaches to be in contact with the water receiving container, andstop the descending operation of the lifting cover 210.

For example, a force can be generated and applied to the water receivingcontainer as the lifting cover 210 is in contact with the waterreceiving container. Therefore, in order to prevent damage anddeformation of the lifting cover 210 and the water receiving containerand to protect the water ejection nozzle 240, the lifting cover 210ascends by a predetermined height before water ejection. Thereafter,water is ejected.

As described above, when the lifting cover 210 ascends, the touch bar610 is spaced apart from the upper end of the water receiving containerand may descend to the original position (state of FIG. 32) by the touchbar 610.

For example, the touch bar 610 may be provided with a force pusheddownward by the elastic member 630 provided above the touch bar 610. Thelower end of the elastic member 630 is in contact with and supported bythe upper end of the touch bar 610. For example, the elastic member 630is provided as a coil spring, a lower end thereof is inserted into theinsertion protrusion 613 a provided above the horizontal connectionportion 613 so as to be supported in contact therewith.

In some implementations, an upper side of the elastic member 630 may besupported in contact with one side of the upper frame 216. For example,the upper frame 216 may include a bottom surface and an insertionprotrusion inserted into an upper side of the elastic member 630 mayextend downward.

With the configuration of the elastic member 630, the touch bar 610 maybe provided with a force pushed downward, and when the touch bar 610 isnot in contact with the water receiving container, the touch bar 610 maybe maintained in a state of being exposed to a lower side of the liftingcover 210.

Also, when the touch bar 610 comes into contact with the water receivingcontainer, the elastic member 630 is compressed and the touch bar 610ascends. Then, when the touch bar 610 is separated from the waterreceiving container, the elastic member 630 is restored by its ownelasticity, and accordingly the touch bar 610 descends and returns tothe original position.

As described above, in a state where the water ejection unit 20 ispositioned at the center (the state of FIG. 1), the touch bar 610extends in the front-rear direction, and when the rotating shaft 611 ofthe touch bar 610 is formed in parallel with the touch bar 610, waterreceiving containers 2 a and 2 b having various sizes may be detected.

According to the present disclosure, a reaction speed of the detectionsensor 620 may be adjusted by adjusting tension of the elastic member630 or by adjusting a space between the detection sensor 620 and thetouch bar 610.

For example, when the tension of the elastic member 630 is decreased,the touch bar 610 may react sensitively when coming into contact withthe water receiving container, and as a result, the reaction speed ofthe detection sensor 620 may be increased. When the tension of theelastic member 630 is increased, the touch bar 610 reacts insensitivelywhen coming into contact with the water receiving container, and as aresult, the reaction speed of the detection sensor 620 may be decreased.

As another example, if the space between the detection sensor 620 andthe touch bar 610 is reduced, even when the touch bar 610 slightlyascends when coming into contact with the water receiving container, thedetection sensor 620 may detect the touch bar 610, and as a result, thereaction speed of the detection sensor 620 may be increased. If thespace between the detection sensor 620 and the touch bar 610 isincreased, the detection sensor 620 cannot detect the touch bar 610until it ascends by a predetermined distance or when in contact with thewater receiving container. As a result, the reaction speed of thedetection sensor 620 may be decreased.

In some implementations, the water receiving containers 2 a and 2 b maybe detected with the same sensitivity in all the sections, regardless ofsize of the water receiving containers 2 a and 2 b.

In some implementations, the touch bar 610 may have a cross-sectionconvex downward so as to be in line contact with the upper end of thewater receiving container disposed below the water ejection nozzle 240.

As described above, when the touch bar 610 and the water receivingcontainer are in line contact with each other, the water receivingcontainer may be more sensitively detected.

In some implementations, the touch bar 610 is rotated when in contactwith the upper end of the water receiving container disposed below thewater ejection nozzle 240. In addition, during the rotation operation ofthe touch bar 610, a curved portion may be provided at a lower end ofthe touch bar 610, so that a state where the lower end of the touch bar610 is in contact with the upper end of the water receiving container 2is maintained smoothly.

In some implementations, when the touch bar 610 rotates, the touch bar610 may maintain a line-contact state with the water receivingcontainer.

In some implementations, a gap G2 between the other end (right side inFIG. 32) of the slit hole 218 and the touch bar 610 may be greater thana gap G1 between one end (left side in FIG. 32) of the slit hole 218 andthe touch bar 610.

In some implementations, the rotating shaft 611 is provided on one sideof the slit hole 218. When the lower end of the touch bar 610 is incontact with the upper end of the water receiving container, the touchbar 610 rotates about the rotating shaft 611.

In some implementations, as shown in FIG. 33, the touch bar 610 isadjacent to the other end of the slit hole 218 (the right side in FIG.32). Therefore, the gap G2 between the other end (right side in FIG. 32)of the slit hole 218 and the touch bar 610 is greater than the gap G1between one end (left side in FIG. 32) of the slit hole 128 and thetouch bar 610 so that the other end (right side in FIG. 32) of the slithole 218 may not be in contact with the touch bar 610 when the touch bar610 rotates.

In some implementations, the blocking portion 614 of the touch bar 610may be maintained in a state of being accommodated in the space 623provided between the transmitting portion 621 and the receiving portion622. That is, even when the touch bar 610 does not detect the waterreceiving container, that is, even in the descending state, the upperend of the blocking portion 614 may be accommodated in the space 623formed between the transmitting portion 621 and the receiving portion622.

As such, when the blocking portion 614 is maintained at the state ofbeing accommodated in the space 623 formed between the transmittingportion 621 and the receiving portion 622 even in the descending state,the detection sensor 620 may detect the touch bar although the touch bar610 merely slightly ascends when in contact with the water receivingcontainer, and thus, the controller may more quickly control theoperation of the lifting motor.

Referring to FIG. 34, according to the present disclosure, the touch bar610 may extend in the front-rear direction (up-down direction in FIG.34) to detect both the water receiving container 2 a having a relativelysmall inlet size and the water receiving container 2 b having arelatively large inlet size.

In some implementations, according to the present disclosure, therotating shaft 611 of the touch bar 610 is provided in the front-reardirection (up-down direction in FIG. 34) similar to the touch bar 610,so that an ascended height when the water receiving container 2 a havinga relatively small inlet size is detected and an ascended height whenthe water receiving container 2 b having a relatively large inlet sizeis detected are equal, and since the touch bar 610 ascends to the sameheight at any position, the water receiving containers 2 a and 2 b maybe detected in every section, regardless of size of the water receivingcontainers 2 a and 2 b.

According to the present disclosure, it is possible to detect the waterreceiving container in all areas, without an unavailable detectionregion of the water receiving container, and a minimum ascending heightof the touch bar 610 required for detecting the water receivingcontainer, i.e., the detection height, may be equal regardless of sizeor position of the water receiving container.

Referring to FIG. 34, the touch bar 610 of the present disclosure isconfigured to be longer than the slit hole 218 to detect a height of thewater receiving container of any size placed between the water ejectionnozzle 240 and the flat portion 1002 of the front cover 100.

FIG. 35 is a graph showing an example result of measuring a forcerequired to detect a container at each position in the structureaccording to the present disclosure. Referring to FIG. 35, in thepresent disclosure, it can be seen that a force to be applied to thetouch bar 610 to detect a container at each position of the touch bar610 is uniform at all sections. That is, in the case of the presentdisclosure, it was confirmed that a force of 0.06 to 0.08 kgf at thesame or similar distance of 5 mm, 15 mm, 25 mm, and 35 mm from the waterejection nozzle was required to detect a container.

Water may be ejected at a position adjacent to the water receivingcontainer by the elevating of the water ejection nozzle. Accordingly,ejected water may be prevented from being scattered. In particular,since water scattering is prevented during ejection of water at a veryhigh temperature, user safety may be ensured.

<Motor Signal Detection>

FIG. 36 is a block diagram showing example main components for theelevating operation of the water ejection nozzle. FIG. 37 is a controlflowchart of an example descending operation of the water ejectionnozzle. FIG. 38 is a control flowchart of an example ascending operationof the water ejection nozzle.

The water ejecting apparatus according to the present disclosure has afunction of automatically elevating the lifting cover 210. For example,when the user places a water receiving container under the waterejection nozzle 240 and presses the water ejection button, the liftingcover 210 descends and detects a height of the water receiving containerbefore water is ejected. Then, water ejection is performed in a statewhere the lifting cover 210 descends adjacent to the height of the waterreceiving container.

In some implementations, the lifting cover 210 includes the detectionunit 600. The detection unit 600 may include a signal detection unit 650that receives a “frequency generation” signal (hereinafter, an FGsignal) generated by the lifting motor 250.

Referring to FIG. 37, when the user requests water ejection, the liftingmotor 250 operates and the fixed cover 210 and the water ejection nozzle240 descend. As described above, when the lifting motor 250 operates, anFG signal is generated by the lifting motor 250 and the signal detectingunit 650 receives the FG signal. The signal detected by the signaldetection unit 650 is input to the controller 90, and the controller 90recognizes the amount of rotation, rotation speed, and other suitableparameters of the lifting motor 250 through the FG signal of the liftingmotor 250 and predicts a descending distance of the lifting cover 210and the water ejection nozzle 240. Also, the controller 90 may measure adriving time of the lifting motor 250 to predict the descending distanceof the lifting cover 210 and the water ejection nozzle 240.

In some implementations, the controller 90 may determine whether asudden change in a load applied to the lifting motor 250 through the FGsignal from the lifting motor 250. In general, when the elevatingoperation of the lifting cover 210 is forcibly stopped during theoperation of the lifting motor 250, a large load equal to or greaterthan a predetermined reference value is applied to the lifting motor250. For example, if the lower end of the lifting cover 210 or the waterejection nozzle 240 comes into contact with an obstacle such as a waterreceiving container or the like while the lifting cover 210 descends, alarge load is applied to the lifting motor 250.

As another example, as the lifting cover 210 descends, the lifting cover210 reaches a bottom dead point (lowest descending height) and comesinto contact with the lower stopper, and here, as a restraint isphysically applied to the descending operation of the lifting cover 210,a large load is applied to the lifting motor 250.

As another example, as the lifting cover 210 ascends, the lifting cover210 reaches a top dead point (highest elevation height) and comes intocontact with the upper stopper, and here, as a restraint is physicallyapplied to the ascending operation of the lifting cover 210, a largeload is applied to the lifting motor 250.

The controller 90 may determine whether a large load equal to or greaterthan the preset reference value is applied to the lifting motor 250through an FG signal from the lifting motor 250. Further, when it isdetermined that a large load equal to or greater than the presetreference value is applied to the lifting motor 250, the controller 90recognizes a cause thereof.

When the lifting cover 210 moves from the top dead point to the bottomdead point, the controller 90 may store a rotation direction or rotationamount information (hereinafter, stored information) of the liftingmotor 250.

Also, when a load equal to or greater than the predetermined referencevalue is applied to the lifting motor 250 during the descendingoperation of the lifting cover 210, the controller 90 recognizes therotation direction or rotation amount information (hereinafter, receivedinformation) of the lifting motor 250 in real time through the FG signalfrom the lifting motor 250.

Thereafter, the controller 90 compares the received informationrecognized in real time with the stored information. As a result of thecomparison, if the received information is the same as the storedinformation, the controller 90 may determine that the lifting cover 210reaches the bottom dead point, and stop driving of the lifting motor250. That is, if the motor rotation amount of the storage information isthe same as the motor rotation amount of the received information, thecontroller 90 may determine that the lifting cover 210 has reached thebottom dead point, and stop driving of the lifting motor 250. Then, thecontroller 90 may perform water ejection.

If the stored information and the received information are not the sameas a result of comparison, the controller 90 may determine that thelifting cover 210 is in contact with an obstacle such as a waterreceiving container before reaching the bottom dead point, and may stopdriving of the lifting motor 250. That is, when the motor rotationamount of the received information is lower than the motor rotationamount of the stored information, the controller 90 may determine thatthe lifting cover 210 is in contact with an obstacle such as the waterreceiving container before reaching the bottom dead point, and stopdriving of the lifting motor 250.

When the driving of the lifting motor 250 is stopped as described above,the controller 90 may inform the user of the obstacle detectionsituation.

In some implementations, when the driving of the lifting motor 250 isstopped, the controller 90 may perform water ejection. In someimplementations, when the driving of the lifting motor 250 is stopped,the controller 90 controls the lifting motor 250 such that the liftingcover 210 ascends by a predetermined height, and when the lifting cover210 is completed, the controller 90 may perform water ejection. In someimplementations, when water ejection terminates, the lifting cover 210ascends.

When the lifting cover 210 moves from the bottom dead point to the topdead point, the controller 90 may store rotation direction or rotationamount information (hereinafter, second storage information) of thelifting motor 250.

If a load equal to or greater than a predetermined reference value isapplied to the lifting motor 250 during the ascending operation of thelifting cover 210, the controller 90 recognizes rotation direction orrotation amount information (hereinafter, second received information)of the lifting motor 250 in real time through the FG signal from thelifting motor 250. Then, the controller 90 compares second receivedinformation recognized in real time with the second storage information.When the second received information is the same as the second storageinformation as a result of comparison, the controller 90 may determinethat the lifting cover 210 has reached the top dead point, and stopdriving of the lifting motor 250. That is, when the motor rotationamount of the second storage information is equal to the motor rotationamount of the second received information, the controller 90 maydetermine that the lifting cover 210 has reached the top dead point, andstop driving of the lifting motor 250.

In some implementations, when the lifting cover 210 and the waterejection nozzle 240 descend, the controller 90 may predict a distance bywhich the lifting cover 210 and the water ejection nozzle descend, andcontrol the operation of the lifting motor 250 so that the lifting cover210 and the water ejection nozzle 240 may ascend by the correspondingdistance.

As another example, when the lifting cover 210 and the water ejectionnozzle 240 ascend, the controller 90 may control the lifting motor 250to operate by time corresponding to a driving time of the lifting motor250 measured when the lifting cover 210 and the water ejection nozzle240 descend.

If the second received information is not the same as the second storageinformation a result of comparison, the controller 90 may determine thatthe lifting cover 210 is in contact with an obstacle before reaching thetop dead point, and stop driving of the lifting motor 250. That is, whenthe motor rotation amount of the second received information is lowerthan the motor rotation amount of the second storage information, thecontroller 90 may determine that the lifting cover 210 is in contactwith an obstacle before reaching the top dead point, and stop driving ofthe lifting motor 250.

When the driving of the lifting motor 250 is stopped as described above,the controller 90 may inform the user of the obstacle detectionsituation. In some implementations, when the driving of the liftingmotor 250 is stopped, the controller 90 may control the lifting motor250 such that the lifting cover 210 descends by a predetermined height.

<Motor Speed Control>

FIG. 39 is a graph showing a change in speed of a motor when a waterejection nozzle descends. FIG. 40 is a graph showing a change in speedof a motor when an obstacle is detected in a state where the waterejection nozzle descends. Referring to FIG. 39, during the elevatingoperation of the water ejection unit 20, a rotation speed of the liftingmotor 250 may be set to be different for each section. For reference, arotation speed of the lifting motor 250 may be adjusted through dutycontrol of the lifting motor 250.

The lifting motor 250 may be set to gradually decrease in speed in somesections when the lifting cover 210 descends. For example, when thelifting cover 210 descends, the lifting motor 250 may be lowered in dutyto reduce a rotation speed of the lifting motor 250. In some examples,when the lifting cover 210 descends, the lifting motor 250 rotates at afirst speed, and when the lifting cover 210 approaches the bottom deadpoint (maximum descending height), the lifting motor 250 may rotate at asecond speed lower than the first speed.

In some implementations, when the lifting cover 210 is closer to thebottom dead point (maximum descending height), the lifting motor 250 mayrotate at a third speed lower than the second speed. In someimplementations, when the lifting cover 210 reaches the bottom deadpoint (maximum descending height), the lifting motor 250 may stop. Forexample, when the rotation speed of the lifting motor 250 decreases, adescending speed of the lifting cover 210 decreases.

As described above, when the lifting cover 210 descends, if thedescending speed of the lifting cover 210 decreases toward the bottomdead point (maximum descending height), the lifting cover 210 may moreeasily stops at the bottom dead point (maximum descending height). Insome implementations, an impact applied to the water receiving containerand the detection unit may be reduced when a height of the waterreceiving container having a height similar to the bottom dead point(maximum drop height) is detected.

As another example, the lifting motor 250 may be set to be graduallylowered in speed in some sections where the lifting cover 210 ascends.For example, when the lifting cover 210 ascends, the lifting motor 250rotates at a fourth speed, and when the lifting cover 210 approaches thetop dead point (maximum ascending height), the lifting motor 250 mayrotate at a fifth speed lower than the fourth speed.

In some implementations, when the lifting cover 210 is closer to the topdead point (maximum ascending height), the lifting motor 250 may rotateat a sixth speed lower than the fifth speed. In some implementations,when the lifting cover 210 reaches the top dead point (maximum ascendingheight), the lifting motor 250 may stop. For example, when the rotationspeed of the lifting motor 250 decreases, the ascending speed of thelifting cover 210 decreases.

As described above, when the lifting cover 210 ascends, if the ascendingspeed of the lifting cover 210 decreases toward the top dead point(maximum ascending height), the lifting cover 210 may be more easilystopped at the top dead point (maximum ascending height).

In some implementations, the rotation speed of the lifting motor 250 andthe ascending speed of the lifting cover 210 may be controlled togradually decrease in several steps.

Referring to FIG. 40, the lifting motor 250 may rotate in a firstdirection CW, and when an obstacle such as a water receiving containeris detected, the lifting motor 250 may rotate in a second direction CCWopposite to the first direction CW. The lifting motor 250 may then stopfrom rotating.

For example, the lifting motor 250 may recognize the water receivingcontainer or the obstacle itself, without a separate sensor. In someexamples, when the lifting cover 210 descends and comes into contactwith an obstacle or a water receiving container in a state of descendingaccording to an operation of the lifting motor 250, a large load may beapplied to the lifting motor 250, and the controller 90 connected to thelifting motor 250 may recognize that the lifting cover 210 is in contactwith an obstacle or the water receiving container based on a counterelectromotive force generated here.

In some implementations, when it is determined that the lifting cover210 is in contact with the water receiving container or an obstaclebased on the counter electromotive force, the controller 90 changes arotation direction of the lifting motor 250 to ascend the lifting cover210 by a predetermined height. Then, when the lifting cover 210 ascendsby a set height, the lifting motor 250 is stopped.

In some instances, various objects, such as spoons, ice, etc. can beused together with the container or included in the container. Accordingto the present disclosure, it may be set such that an obstacle isrecognized if the FG signal from the motor is not generated 10 timesbefore reaching the bottom dead point in the special situation asdescribed above. In addition, an avoidance algorithm of increasing acertain interval when an obstacle is determined is configured.

In some implementations, according to the present disclosure, the topdead point and the bottom dead point may be detected without the motorand/or without a sensor. For example, an algorithm for recognizing threetypes of information is implemented using a feedback signal from themotor.

In some implementations, the motor used in the driving module forelevating the water ejection nozzle is a BLDC motor. The BLDC motorrequires a controller, and it is necessary to select a controller whendeveloping the motor. In some implementations, the motor of the drivingmodule applied to the present disclosure may be controlled using an ICcalled A4931. Features of the module are specialized in auto-elevation.

Some implementations of the present disclosure do not require astructure for detection of the top dead point and may implement thebottom dead point and obstacle detection function.

In some implementations of the present disclosure, the BLDC motor in usegenerates an FG signal. Then, in the normal mode, the controller 90 maydetermine whether the BLDC motor suddenly changes in load by using theFG signal generated when the BLDC motor rotates, and when the loadsuddenly changes, the normal mode may be switched to an emergency stopmode, and in the case of the sudden change in the load, the normal modemay be switched to an emergency stop mode, the BLDC motor is stopped inthe emergency stop mode. According to the present disclosure, it ispossible to detect the top dead point, the bottom dead point, anobstacle may be detected without a separate sensor by detecting only theFG signal.

For reference, when the BLDC motor operates, a moving length of thelifting cover may be calculated through the generated FG signal. Also,through a rotation amount or a rotation direction of the BLDC motor, amoving distance of the lifting cover may be determined by the FG signaland the positions of the top and bottom dead points may be detected.

An example detection method of the top dead point, bottom dead point,and obstacle is as follows. A normal state is determined through aninitial module operation, and a driving distance to the top dead pointand the bottom dead point is moved by measuring the FG signal. If atarget FG value is not reached despite sufficient movement time, it isdetermined as interference of an obstacle. According to the presentdisclosure, a structure for detection is not required, obtaining aneffect of simplifying the structure and reducing cost.

In some implementations, two positions may be additionally detected. Insome implementations, it is possible to detect three situations (topdead point, bottom dead point, obstacle) without using a detectionsensor.

Referring back to FIG. 36, the water ejecting apparatus 1 according tothe present disclosure includes the controller 90 for controllingvarious components. The controller 90 may be installed in the case 10 asdescribed above. In some implementations, the controller 90 may beprovided separately from the water ejecting apparatus 1.

The controller 90 may control the operation of the lifting motor 250.Also, the lifting cover 210 and the water ejection nozzle 240 areelevated by the operation of the lifting motor 250. That is, thecontroller 90 may control the elevation of the water ejection nozzle240.

In some implementations, the controller 90 is installed on the waterejection pipe 400 to control the operation of the water ejection valve94 to control a flow of water. The water ejection valve 94 may beunderstood as a component that intermittently regulates a flow of waterbeing ejected to the water ejection nozzle 240 and resultantly opens andcloses the water ejection nozzle 240. That is, the controller 90 maycontrol the water ejection and stopping of water ejection.

The controller 90 may be connected to the input unit 270 or thedetection unit 600 to receive a signal and control an operation of thelifting motor 250 and the water ejection valve 94. The input unit 270may include an elevation input unit 271 for inputting an elevationcommand of the lifting cover 210 and a water ejection input unit 272 forinputting an opening and closing command of the water ejection valve 94.

For example, the detection unit 600 may be disposed below the liftingcover 210. As another example, the detection unit 600 may be mounted onthe front cover 100. In particular, the detection unit 600 may beprovided in plurality and the plurality of detection units 600 may beinstalled in a line and spaced apart from each other in the up-downdirection on the flat portion 1002. As another example, the detectionunit 600 may be mounted on the water ejection nozzle 240 or may bemounted near the water ejection nozzle 240. The detection unit 600 ismounted to detect a height of a cup or the like placed under the waterejection nozzle 240.

<Elevating Operation Control>

FIG. 41 is a flowchart of an example control method of a water ejectingapparatus according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure.Referring to FIG. 41 with reference to FIG. 36, the water ejectingapparatus 1 is provided in a water ejection standby state (S100). Here,the water ejection standby state may be understood as a state wherepower is connected to the water ejecting apparatus 1. In addition, thelifting cover 210 and the water ejection nozzle 240 are in an elevatedstate.

In the standby state, it is determined whether there is an input of thewater ejection input unit 272 from the user (S110). Then, when a waterejection command is detected, the lifting cover 210 and the waterejection nozzle 240 descend (S120). For example, the controller 90drives the lifting motor 250 according to a signal from the waterejection input unit 272. Accordingly, the motor shaft 2500 is rotated,and power is transferred to the gear module 260. In addition, the fourthgear 2609 may be rotated and lowered along the lifting gear 2006.

Then, the detection unit 600 detects whether it is in contact with anupper end of the container (S130). For example, the lifting cover 210and the water ejection nozzle 240 continue to descend, and then, as atleast a portion of the detection unit 600 comes into contact with theupper end of the container placed under the water ejection nozzle 240,an upper end of the container is detected. As described above, when thedetection unit 600 detects the upper end of the container, thecontroller 90 stops driving of the lifting motor 250. That is, thelifting cover 210 and the water ejection nozzle 240 are lowered untilthe detection unit 600 detects the upper end of the container.

If the upper end of the container is not detected by the detection unit600, the lifting cover 210 and the water ejection nozzle 240 descend tothe lowermost end. (S140). For example, when the lifting cover 210 andthe water ejection nozzle 240 continue to descend, the lifting cover 210and the water ejection nozzle 240 reach the bottom dead point and alarge load is temporarily applied to the lifting motor 250.

Then, when such a load is input, the controller 90 determines that thelifting cover 210 and the water ejection nozzle 240 descend to thelowermost end, and stops driving of the lifting motor 250 so that thedescending operation of the lifting cover 210 and the water ejectionnozzle 240 is stopped (S141).

For example, as described above, when the lifting cover 210 and thewater ejection nozzle 240 reach the lowermost end or when the detectionunit 600 is in contact with the upper end of the container and detectsthe container, water ejection is performed immediately (S160). Asanother example, when the lifting cover 210 and the water ejectionnozzle 240 descend, if the detection unit 600 comes into contact withthe upper end of the container to detect the container, water ejectionmay not be performed immediately and the lifting cover 210 and the waterejection nozzle 240 may ascend by a set height (S150). In someimplementations, the lifting cover 210 and the water ejection nozzle 240may ascend by about 15 mm.

Thereafter, water ejection is performed (S160). For example, as thewater ejection valve 94 is opened, water from the water ejection pipe400 is discharged to the water ejection nozzle 240. The dispensed watermay be purified water, cold water or hot water depending on a userselection or settings.

Also, it is determined whether the amount of ejected water has reached atarget flow rate (S170). For example, a water ejection flow rate may bedetected by a flow sensor. The flow sensor may be installed on a pipeconnected to the rear end of the filter 40 based on a flow direction ofwater to detect a flow rate of water flowing after passing through thefilter 40.

When the water ejection flow rate reaches the target flow rate, waterejection terminates and the lifting cover 210 and the water ejectionnozzle 240 ascend to the original position again and are then stopped(S180). Here, the original position may refer to the positions of thelifting cover 210 and the water ejection nozzle 240 in a standby state(S100).

The ascending of the lifting cover 210 and the water ejection nozzle 240may be performed when a predetermined time has elapsed after waterdispensing terminated. For example, when water ejection terminates, thecontroller 90 drives the lifting motor 250 reversely after a set time.Accordingly, the motor shaft 2500 is rotated in reverse and power istransferred to the gear module 260. In addition, when the fourth gear2609 is reversely rotated, it may be rotated and lifted along thelifting gear 2006.

Continuing to ascend, the lifting cover 210 and the water ejectionnozzle 240 reach the top dead point, and accordingly, the lifting motor250 is temporarily subjected to a large load. When such a load is input,the controller 90 determines that the ascending is completed and stopsdriving of the lifting motor 250.

Alternatively, when water ejection is finished, the lifting cover 210and the water ejection nozzle 240 may not immediately ascend butmaintain the lowered state until there is a separate instruction, ormaintain the lowered state for a predetermined time and return to theinitial position (standby position).

By the lifting of the lifting cover 210 and the water ejection nozzle240, water may be ejected from a position adjacent to the waterreceiving container. Accordingly, the ejected water may be preventedfrom being scattered. In particular, when water at a very hightemperature is ejected, preventing of scattering of ejected waterguarantees user stability.

FIG. 42 is a flowchart of an example control method of a water ejectingapparatus according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure,and FIG. 43 is a reference view for explaining the control method ofFIG. 42. Referring to FIGS. 42 and 43, the water ejecting apparatus 1 isprovided in a water ejection standby state (S200). For example, thewater ejection standby state may be understood as a state where power isconnected to the water ejecting apparatus 1. In addition, the liftingcover 210 and the water ejection nozzle 240 are in an elevated state.Here, the lower end of the touch bar 610 is located at a height of ‘a’in FIG. 43.

In the standby state as described above, it is determined whether thewater ejection input unit 272 is input from the user (S210). Also, whena water ejection command is detected, the lifting cover 210 and thewater ejection nozzle 240 are lowered (S220). For example, thecontroller 90 drives the lifting motor 250 according to a signal fromthe water ejection input unit 272. Accordingly, the motor shaft 2500 isrotated and power is transferred to the gear module 260. In addition,the fourth gear 2609 may be rotated and lowered along the lifting gear2006. For example, the signal detection unit 650 detects an FG signalfrom the lifting motor 250.

In step S220, the light source 212 may be turned on. After step S220,the detection sensor 620 detects whether the touch bar 610 is in contactwith the water receiving container (S230). For example, while thelifting cover 210 and the water ejection nozzle 240 continue to descend,the touch bar 610 comes into contact with and detects the upper end ofthe water receiving container placed below the water ejection nozzle240. Here, the lower end of the touch bar 610 is located at a height of‘b’ in FIG. 43. Then, the touch bar 610 rotates and the lower end of thetouch bar 610 ascends by a predetermined height from the height of ‘b’in FIG. 43.

That is, the lifting cover 210 and the water ejection nozzle 240 descenduntil the touch bar 610 and the detection sensor 620 detect the upperend of the container. If the upper end of the container is not detectedby the detection unit 600, the lifting cover 210 and the water ejectionnozzle 240 descend to the lowermost end (S240). For example, if thelifting cover 210 and the water ejection nozzle 240 continue to descend,the lifting cover 210 and the water ejection nozzle 240 reach the bottomdead point and the lifting motor 250 is temporarily subjected to a largeload. Then, when such a load is input, the controller 90 may determinethat the descending to the lowermost end is completed and stop thedriving of the lifting motor 250, so that the descending operation ofthe lifting cover 210 and the water ejection nozzle 240 may be stopped(S241).

As another example, when the lifting cover 210 and the water ejectionnozzle 240 continue to descend, the lifting cover 210 and the waterejection nozzle 240 may reach the bottom dead point and the controllermay determine that the lifting cover 210 and the water ejection nozzle240 have reached the bottom dead point through an FG signal detected bythe signal detection unit 650. Specifically, when moving from thestandby position to the bottom dead point, the FG signal may be storedand the controller 90 may determine whether the lifting cover 210 andthe water ejection nozzle 240 reach the bottom dead point by comparingthe detected FG signal with the stored FG signal.

When it is determined that the lifting cover 210 and the water ejectionnozzle 240 have reached the bottom dead point in this manner, thecontroller 90 may stop the driving of the lifting motor 250 to stop thedescending operation of the lifting cover 210 and the water ejectionnozzle 240 (S241).

For example, when the lifting cover 210 and the water ejection nozzle240 reach the lowermost end or when the touch bar 610 comes into contactwith the upper end of the water receiving container to detect the waterreceiving container, water ejection may be performed immediately (S260).

As another example, when the lifting cover 210 and the water ejectionnozzle 240 descend, if the touch bar 610 comes into contact with theupper end of the water receiving container and the detection sensor 620detects the water receiving container, water ejection may not beperformed immediately and the lifting cover 210 and the water ejectionnozzle 240 may be lifted by a set height (S250). Here, the lower end ofthe touch bar 610 is located at a height of ‘c’ in FIG. 43. For example,the lifting cover 210 and the water ejection nozzle 240 may ascend byabout 15 mm.

Thereafter, water ejection is performed (S260). Specifically, as thewater ejection valve 94 is opened, water from the water ejection pipe400 is discharged to the water ejection nozzle 240. The dispensed watermay be purified water, cold water or hot water depending on a userselection or settings.

Also, it is determined whether the amount of ejected water has reached atarget flow rate (S270). For example, a water ejection flow rate may bedetected by a flow sensor. The flow sensor may be installed on a pipeconnected to the rear end of the filter 40 based on a flow direction ofwater to detect a flow rate of water flowing after passing through thefilter 40. When the water ejection flow rate reaches the target flowrate, water ejection terminates (S280).

Also, the controller operates the lifting motor 250 to lift the liftingcover 210 and the water ejection nozzle 240 ascend to the originalposition (S291). Here, the original position may refer to the positionsof the lifting cover 210 and the water ejection nozzle 240 in thestandby state (S100).

In some implementations, the ascending of the lifting cover 210 and thewater ejection nozzle 240 may be performed when a predetermined time haselapsed after water dispensing terminated. For example, when waterejection terminates, the lifting cover 210 and the water ejection nozzle240 may ascend after waiting for 6 seconds. When the water ejectionterminates, the controller 90 drives the lifting motor 250 reverselyafter a set time. Accordingly, the motor shaft 2500 is rotated reverselyand power is transferred to the gear module 260. In addition, when thefourth gear 2609 is reversely rotated, the fourth gear 2609 may berotated and lifted along the lifting gear 2006.

Also, when the lifting cover 210 and the water ejection nozzle 240 reachthe top dead point, the operation of the lifting motor 250 is stoppedand the elevating operation of the lifting cover 210 and the waterejection nozzle 240 is stopped. For example, while the lifting cover 210is ascending, the lifting cover 210 and the water ejection nozzle 240reach the top dead point, and accordingly, the lifting motor 250 istemporarily subjected to a large load. When such a load is input, thecontroller 90 may determine that the ascending is completed, and stopthe driving of the lifting motor 250.

As another example, when the lifting cover 210 and the water ejectionnozzle 240 continue to ascend, the lifting cover 210 and the waterejection nozzle 240 may reach the top dead point and the controller maydetermine that the lifting cover 210 and the water ejection nozzle 240have reached through an FG signal detected by the signal detection unit650.

For example, the controller 90 may store the FG signal when movementfrom the bottom dead point to the top dead point and the FG signal whenmovement from the position where water ejection is performed to the topdead point in step S260, and compare the FG signal detected by thesignal detection unit 650 and the stored FG signal to determine whetherthe lifting cover 210 and the water ejection nozzle 240 have reached thetop dead point (S292).

Also, when it is determined that the lifting cover 210 and the waterejection nozzle 240 have reached the top dead point through the FGsignal, the controller stops driving of the lifting motor 250 (S293).Here, the lower end of the touch bar 610 is located at a height of inFIG. 43. Also, in step S293, the light source 212 may be turned off.

Alternatively, when water ejection terminates, the lifting cover 210 andthe water ejection nozzle 240 may not immediately ascend but maintainthe lowered state until a separate instruction is made, or maintain thelowered state for a predetermined time and return to the initialposition (standby position).

As the lifting cover 210 and the water ejection nozzle 240 ascend, watermay be ejected from a position adjacent to the water receivingcontainer. Accordingly, ejected water may be prevented from beingscattered. In particular, since water scattering is prevented duringejection of water at a very high temperature, user safety may beensured.

As described above, some implementations of the present disclosure havea structure that rotates the water ejection unit 20 relative to the case10. In some implementations, the lifting cover 210 accommodated insidethe fixed cover 200 configuring the water ejection unit 20 has astructure to move up and down. In some implementations, the liftingmotor 250, the gear module 260, and the water ejection pipe 400 areaccommodated and the detection unit 600 is mounted in the lifting cover210. The detection unit 600 may be disposed such that at least a portionthereof is exposed to the outside of the lifting cover 210.

When the user presses the water ejection button, the water ejectionnozzle descends but the water receiving container having a certainheight (e.g., 120 mm) or greater is detected by the detection unit 600so that the lifting cover 210 stops at the height of the water receivingcontainer and water ejection may be performed immediately, or after thelifting cover 210 ascends by a certain height (e.g., 15 mm), waterejection is performed.

In some implementations, although a water receiving container having aheight lower than the certain height (e.g., 120 mm) is detected, wateris ejected when the lifting cover 210 reaches as much close to thebottom dead point as possible, thereby reducing water splash due to headdrop.

In some implementations, in the lowered state, repeated water ejectionmay be performed after water ejection, and when water ejectionterminates, the lifting cover 210 may automatically ascend to return tothe initial position.

FIG. 44 illustrates that the lifting cover and the water ejection nozzledescend in a manual manner. Referring to FIG. 44, in the case of themanual method, the user may adjust the position of the water ejectionnozzle by holding the lifting cover by hand and lowering it or raisingit. However, due to this, the water ejection nozzle and its surroundingsmay come into contact with the user's hand, having a possibility that amicroorganism is contacted and causing a problem of contamination as themicroorganism grows.

FIG. 45 illustrates that the lifting cover and the water ejection nozzleare elevated in an automatic manner according to the present disclosure.FIG. 45(a) illustrates that the lifting cover and the water ejectionnozzle ascend to the maximum so as to be located at the top dead point.FIG. 45(b) illustrates that lifting cover and the water ejection nozzledescend to the maximum so as to be located at the bottom dead point.

Referring to FIG. 45, in the case of the present disclosure, as thelifting cover 210 is accommodated inside the fixed cover 200, anelevating distance of the water ejection nozzle 240 may be lengthenedand the water ejection nozzle 240 may descend by a minimum height andmay ascend by a maximum height. Therefore, water may be ejected to waterreceiving containers having various heights. Also, when water is ejectedto a relatively low water receiving container, water splashes to theoutside of the water receiving container may be reduced. Also, sincethere is no need for the user to touch the water ejection nozzle or thesurroundings by hand, it is possible to significantly reduce thepossibility of microbial growth in the water ejection nozzle and thesurroundings.

In some implementations, the automatic elevating mode as described abovemay be turned on or off by a user selection. For example, the user mayturn on the automatic elevating mode by pressing an automatic elevatingbutton provided in the input unit 270. Here, the lifting motor 250 maybe switched to an active state. Also, when the user presses the waterejection button, the lifting cover 210 and the water ejection nozzle 240automatically descend and are positioned near the water receivingcontainer, and thereafter, water ejection may be performed. Also, whenwater ejection terminates, the lifting cover 210 and the water ejectionnozzle 240 may return to the original position.

For example, the user may turn off the automatic elevating mode bypressing the automatic elevating button provided in the input unit 270.Here, the lifting motor 250 may be switched to an inactive state. Also,when the user pulls the lifting cover 210 to place the water ejectionnozzle 240 near the water receiving container and presses the waterejection button, water ejection may be performed. After water ejectionterminates, the lifting cover 210 and the water ejection nozzle 240 arefixed to the position where the water ejection was performed. The usermay push up the lifting cover 210 to return the lifting cover 210 andthe water ejection nozzle 240 to the original position.

If the lifting motor 250 is activated and the user manually pulls thelifting cover 210, the lifting motor 250 or the PCB may be damaged by acounter electromotive force. Therefore, a counter electromotive forceblocking circuit may be implemented on the circuit controlling thelifting motor 250.

As described above, when both automatic elevation and manual elevationare available, user's convenience is increased, and since the rotationoperation and the elevating operation of the water ejection unit 20 areselectively performed, a size of a minimum space required forinstallation of the water ejecting apparatus may be reduced. That is,the water ejecting apparatus may be installed at various positionswithout space restrictions.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that variousmodifications and variations may be made in the present disclosurewithout departing from the spirit or scope of the disclosure. Thus, itis intended that the present disclosure covers modifications andvariations that come within the scope of the appended claims and theirequivalents.

What is claimed is:
 1. A liquid ejecting apparatus comprising: a case;and a liquid ejector at least partially protruding from the case andcomprising: a first lifting cover connected to the case; a lifting gearfixed to the first lifting cover; a second lifting cover received in thefirst lifting cover; a lifting motor coupled to the second lifting coverand engaged with a gear assembly; and a liquid ejection nozzle disposedat an end of the second lifting cover and configured to eject liquid,wherein the lifting gear has a first side and a second side opposite tothe first side, and includes (i) gear teeth on the first side and (ii)at least one reinforcing hole or at least one reinforcing recess on thesecond side, and wherein the at least one reinforcing hole includes aplurality of reinforcing holes, or the at least one reinforcing recessincludes a plurality of reinforcing recesses, and wherein the pluralityof reinforcing holes or the plurality of reinforcing recesses are spacedapart in a direction along which the second lifting cover moves.
 2. Theliquid ejecting apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first lifting covercomprises: a plate that includes the lifting gear.
 3. The liquidejecting apparatus of claim 2, wherein the plate has a first surface anda second surface opposite to the first surface, wherein the at least onereinforcing hole is defined at the first surface of the plate, orwherein the at least one reinforcing recess is recessed in a directionfrom the first surface to the second surface.
 4. The liquid ejectingapparatus of claim 3, wherein the plurality of reinforcing holes or theplurality of reinforcing recesses are arranged at the same interval asan interval between the gear teeth of the lifting gear.
 5. The liquidejecting apparatus of claim 3, wherein a center of each of the at leastone reinforcing hole or the at least one reinforcing recess is alignedwith a highest gear ridge of the lifting gear.
 6. The liquid ejectingapparatus of claim 1, wherein the lifting gear includes: a flatreinforcing plate that is disposed on the first side of the lifting gearand that is thinner than the gear teeth.
 7. The liquid ejectingapparatus of claim 1, wherein the gear assembly comprises: a gearbracket coupled to the second lifting cover; and a gear rotatablydisposed in the gear bracket and engaged with the lifting gear, whereinthe gear is configured to rotate along the lifting gear such that thesecond lifting cover moves in a first direction with respect to thefirst lifting cover based on operation of the lifting motor.
 8. Theliquid ejecting apparatus of claim 7, wherein the first lifting coverfurther comprises: a guide rail spaced apart from the lifting gear andextending in the first direction, the guide rail including a pluralityof seating recesses that are spaced apart in the first direction, andwherein the gear bracket comprises a guide rail protrusion configured tocontact the guide rail and be inserted into the plurality of seatingrecesses as the gear bracket moves in the first direction.
 9. The liquidejecting apparatus of claim 8, wherein the first lifting covercomprises: a liquid ejection opening defined between the lifting gearand the guide rail, and a liquid ejection pipe extending from aninterior of the case through the liquid ejection opening and connectedto the liquid ejection nozzle.
 10. The liquid ejecting apparatus ofclaim 8, wherein the plurality of seating recesses comprise a firstseating recess and a second seating recess spaced apart from the firstseating recess in the first direction, and wherein the second liftingcover is configured to move in the first direction until the guide railprotrusion is inserted into the first seating recess and move in asecond direction opposite to the first direction until the guide railprotrusion is inserted into the second seating recess.
 11. The liquidejecting apparatus of claim 1, wherein the lifting motor comprises: amotor shaft; and a motor gear engaged with the motor shaft, and whereinthe gear assembly comprises: a first gear engaged with the motor gear; asecond gear coaxially disposed with the first gear; a third gear engagedwith the second gear; and a fourth gear coaxially disposed with thethird gear and engaged with the lifting gear.
 12. The liquid ejectingapparatus of claim 11, wherein rotating shafts of the first gear, thesecond gear, the third gear, and the fourth gear are located above themotor shaft of the motor in the first direction.
 13. The liquid ejectingapparatus of claim 11, wherein the first lifting cover has a first sideand a second side opposite to the first side with respect to the motorshaft of the motor, wherein the lifting gear is fixed to the first sideof the first lifting cover, and wherein rotating shafts of the firstgear, the second gear, the third gear, and the fourth gear are locatedat the first side.
 14. The liquid ejecting apparatus of claim 11,wherein rotating shafts of the third gear and the fourth gear arearranged to in a staggered manner with respect to rotating shafts of thefirst gear and the second gear.
 15. The liquid ejecting apparatus ofclaim 11, wherein rotating shafts of the third gear and the fourth gearare arranged above rotating shafts of the first gear and the second gearin the first direction.
 16. The liquid ejecting apparatus of claim 11,wherein each of the first lifting cover and the second lifting cover hasa convex shape extending away from the case, and wherein the liftingmotor is disposed in the second lifting cover further away from the casethan the first, second, third, and fourth gears, and the first, second,third, and fourth gears are arranged closer to the case than the liftingmotor.
 17. The liquid ejecting apparatus of claim 1, wherein the caseincludes a top cover that forms an upper surface of the case, whereinthe liquid ejector comprises: a liquid ejection top cover extending fromthe top cover of the case and configured to cover the first liftingcover.
 18. The liquid ejecting apparatus of claim 17, wherein the liquidejector comprises: an input device disposed at the liquid ejection topcover and configured to receive a command.
 19. The liquid ejectingapparatus of claim 18, wherein the input device comprises a liftinginput control, and wherein the liquid ejecting apparatus furthercomprises a controller configured to operate the lifting motor to movethe liquid ejection nozzle based on an input through the lifting inputcontrol.